Other Names : Superior Vena cava obstruction
What is Superior Vena Cava Syndrome ? A group of symptoms caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava (a blood vessel carrying blood to the heart).
Cause(s) :
Cancerous tumours that compresses the superior vena cava
Infections like syphilis and tuberculosis
Thrombosis in the SVC
Symptoms :
Shortness of breath
Dyspnea
Headache
Facial edema and upper limb edema
Venous distention in the neck and distended veins in the upper chest and arms
Diagnosis and Tests :
Chest X-ray
CT scan
Transbronchial needle aspiration
Bronchscopy and mediastinoscopy
Specialist to consult : Cardiology
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