Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Syndrome

Your Path

  • Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Syndrome

Etiology

  • Obstruction of SVC from external compression, internal clot/fibrosis or combinations

Risk Factors

  • Fibrosis
  • Xrt changes
  • Other
  • Cancer (lung, lymphoma, other)
  • Clot (lines, cancer)

Symptoms

  • Cough
  • Facial fullness
  • Sub-acute, progressive sob
  • Throat discomfort, dysphagia, change in voice
  • Confusion (cerebral edema or mets if cancer)

Physical Exam Findings

  • Stridor
  • Facial and/or upper body edema and venous congestion
  • Worse w/arms raised
  • Dilated superficial veins on chest
  • Distended EJ and IJ