Superior Venecaval Syndrome

By Dr Deepu
Images
Definition
History
Pathophysiology
Presentation and Findings
Causes
Diagnostic Workup
Management

Causes

More than 80% of cases of SVCS are caused by malignant mediastinal tumors.

 Bronchogenic carcinomas account for 75-80% of all these cases, with most of these being small-cell carcinomas.

 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (especially the large-cell type) account for 10-15%. Causes of SVCS appear similar to the relative incidence of primary lung and mediastinal tumors

. Rare malignant diagnoses include Hodgkin disease, metastatic cancers, primary leiomyosarcomas of the mediastinal vessels, and plasmocytomas.

Nonmalignant conditions that can cause SVCS include the following:

·         Mediastinal fibrosis

·         Vascular diseases, such as aortic aneurysm, vasculitis, and arteriovenous fistulas

·         Infections, such as histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, and actinomycosis

·         Benign mediastinal tumors such as teratoma, cystic hygroma, thymoma, and dermoid cyst

·         Cardiac causes, such as pericarditis and atrial myxoma

·         Thrombosis related to the presence of central vein catheters

Diagnostic Workup