Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome is a condition in which the superior vena cava is compressed, resulting in impaired blood flow from the head, neck and upper extremities.

Causes

The main causes of the development of superior vena cava syndrome are:

1. Mediastinal tumors (lymphoma, lung cancer)
2. Goiter
3. Aortic aneurysm
4. Scar changes after surgery on the neck and chest

Symptoms

Characteristic symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome are:

1. Swelling of the face, neck, upper limbs
2. Cyanosis (blueness) of the skin of the head and neck
3. Dilation of the saphenous veins of the neck and chest
4. Headache, dizziness, tinnitus
5. Visual impairment, memory, intelligence

Diagnostics

To diagnose superior vena cava syndrome, the following is carried out:

1. Physical examination
2. Ultrasound of neck vessels
3. X-ray of the chest organs
4. CT or MRI of the chest

Treatment

Treatment of superior vena cava syndrome is aimed at eliminating the cause of the compression. Can be carried out:

1. Surgical removal of the tumor
2. Thyroid surgery
3. Stenting of the superior vena cava

If the cause cannot be eliminated, symptomatic therapy is carried out to improve venous outflow.