SVC obstruction

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

SVC obstruction

Alternative Names

Superior vena cava obstruction; Superior vena cava syndrome

Symptoms

Decreased alertness
Dizziness
Fainting
HeadacheVision changes
Neck swelling, facial swelling, or arm swelling
Reddish face or cheeks
Reddish palms
Reddish mucous membranes (inside the nose, mouth, and so on)
Redness changing to blueness later
Sensation of head or ear "fullness"
Swelling around the eye socket (periorbital)

Note: Symptoms may begin suddenly or gradually, and may worsen when bending over or lying down.

Exams and Tests

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.

A bronchoscopy may be performed if lung cancer is suspected.

Obstruction of the SVC may show on:

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

References

Rice TW, Rodriguez MR, Light RW. The superior vena cava syndrome: clinical characteristics and evolving etiology. Medicine (Baltimore). 2006;85;1:37-42.

Wilson LD, Detterbeck FC, Yahalom J. Superior vena cava syndrome with malignant causes. N Engl J Med. 2007;356;18:1862-1869.


Heart, section through the middle

Review Date: 3/21/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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