Superior vena cava syndrome (patient information)

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Superior vena cava syndrome

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

When to seek urgent medical care?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Superior vena cava syndrome?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

SVC obstruction is a narrowing or blockage of the superior vena cava, the second largest vein in the human body. The superior vena cava moves blood from the upper half of the body to the heart.

What are the symptoms of Superior vena cava syndrome?

Symptoms occur when something blocks the blood flowing back to the heart. They may begin suddenly or gradually, and may worsen when you bend over or lie down.

Early signs include:

  • Swelling around the eye
  • Swelling of the face
  • Swelling of the whites of the eyes

The swelling will most likely be worse in the early morning hours and go away by mid morning.

The most common symptoms are shortness of breath (dyspnea) and swelling of the face, neck, trunk, and arms.

Other possible symptoms include:

What causes Superior vena cava syndrome?

Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a relatively rare condition.

Most often it is caused by a cancer or a tumor in the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).

The types of cancer that can lead to this condition include:

Superior vena cava obstruction can also be caused by noncancerous conditions that cause scarring. These conditions include:

Other causes of superior vena cava obstruction include:

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of SVC obstruction. Complications are serious and can sometimes be fatal.

Diagnosis

An examination may show enlarged veins of the face, neck, and upper chest. Blood pressure is often high in the arms and low in the legs.

Blockage of the SVC may be visible on:

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

  • Abdominal MRI
  • Liver scan

Treatment options

  • The goal of treatment is to relieve the blockage.
  • Diuretics ("water pills") or steroids may be used to relieve swelling.
  • Other treatment options may include radiation or chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, or surgery to remove the tumors. Surgery to bypass the obstruction is rarely performed. Placement of a stent to open up the SVC is available at some medical centers.

Where to find medical care for Superior vena cava syndrome?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Superior vena cava syndrome

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The outcome varies depending on the cause and the amount of blockage. SVCS caused by a tumor is a sign that the tumor has spread, and it indicates a poorer long-term outlook.

Possible complications

Prevention

Prompt treatment of other medical disorders may reduce the risk of developing SVC obstruction.

Source

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001097.htm

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