Superior vena cava syndrome: A medical emergency?

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome was originally described as being secondary to an infection. Currently, it is almost exclusively secondary to malignancy. A case of SVC syndrome presenting with dyspnea, facial swelling, neck distension and cough developed over a period of 10 days is reported. The approach included imaging studies and tissue diagnosis. Computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a lobulated mass on the right upper chest invading the mediastinum, and cytology obtained from bronchoscopy revealed squa- mous cell carcinoma. The etiology, diagnosis and treatment modalities of the SVC syndrome are discussed.