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SVC obstruction

Superior vena cava obstruction; Superior vena cava syndrome

SVC obstruction is a narrowing or blockage of the superior vena cava (SVC), which is the second largest vein in the human body. The superior vena cava moves blood from the upper parts of the body to the heart.

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Causes

SVC obstruction is a rare condition.

It is most often caused by cancer or a tumor in the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).

Other types of cancer that can lead to this condition include:

• Breast cancer
• Lymphoma
• Metastatic lung cancer (lung cancer that spreads)
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Thymus tumor

SVC obstruction can also be caused by noncancerous conditions that cause scarring. These conditions include:

• Histoplasmosis (a type of fungal infection)
• Inflammation of a vein (thrombophlebitis)
• Lung infections (such as tuberculosis)

Other causes of SVC obstruction include:

• Aortic aneurysm (a widening of the artery that leaves the heart)
• Blood clots in the SVC
• Constrictive pericarditis (tightening of the thin lining of the heart)
• Effects of radiation therapy for certain medical conditions
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)

Catheters placed in the large veins of the upper arm and neck may cause blood clots in the SVC.

Symptoms

Symptoms occur when something blocks the blood flowing back to the heart. Symptoms may begin suddenly or gradually, and may worsen when you bend over or lie down.

Early signs include:

• Swelling around the eye
• Swelling of the face
• Swelling of the whites of the eyes
• Distended veins in the neck

The swelling may be worse or more prominent when lying down than when upright. It may be worse in the early morning hours and may go away by mid-morning.

The most common symptoms are shortness of breath (dyspnea) and swelling of the face, neck, trunk, and arms.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Decreased alertness
• Dizziness, fainting
• Headache
• Reddish face or cheeks
• Reddish palms
• Reddish mucous membranes (inside the nose, mouth, and other places)
• Redness changing to blueness later
• Sensation of head or ear fullness
• Vision changes

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may show enlarged veins of the face, neck, and upper chest. Blood pressure is often high in the arms and low in the legs.

If lung cancer is suspected, a bronchoscopy may be done. During this procedure, a camera is used to view inside the airways and lungs.

Blockage of the SVC may be visible on:

• Chest x-ray
• CT scan of the chest or MRI of chest
• Coronary angiography (a heart blood vessel study)
• Doppler ultrasound (sound wave test of the blood vessels)
• Radionuclide ventriculography (nuclear study of heart motion)

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve the blockage.

Diuretics (water pills) or steroids (anti-inflammatory drugs) may be used to temporarily relieve swelling.

Other treatment options may include radiation or chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, or surgery to remove the tumors. Surgery to bypass the obstruction is rarely performed. Placement of a stent (tube placed inside a blood vessel) to open up the SVC may be performed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome varies, depending on the cause and the amount of blockage.

SVC obstruction caused by a tumor is a sign that the tumor has spread, and it indicates a poorer long-term outlook.

Possible Complications

The throat could become blocked, which can block the airways.

Increased pressure may develop in the brain, leading to changed levels of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of SVC obstruction. Complications are serious and can sometimes be fatal.

Prevention

Prompt treatment of other medical disorders may reduce the risk of developing SVC obstruction.

Related Information

References

Gupta A, Kim DN, Kalva S, Reznik S, Johnson DH. Superior vena cava syndrome. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 53.

Kinlay S, Bhatt DL. Treatment of noncoronary obstructive vascular disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.

Review Date: 1/2/2023  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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