Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Excerpt

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a collection of clinical signs and symptoms resulting from partial or complete obstruction of blood flow through the SVC. This obstruction is most commonly a result of thrombus formation or tumor infiltration of the vessel wall. The SVC is formed by the junction of the left and right innominate (brachiocephalic) veins and is tasked with returning blood from the head, neck, upper extremities, and torso back to the heart (see Image. Veins and Arteries of the Neck). Today, this syndrƒome is most commonly seen secondary to malignancy, although there has been a recent rise in benign etiologies. The resulting venous congestion produces a clinical scenario of increased upper-body venous pressure. The most common signs and symptoms include face or neck swelling, upper extremity swelling, dyspnea, cough, and dilated chest vein collaterals.