Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical condition resulting from the obstruction of venous drainage from the head, neck, and upper limbs into the right atrium. It was first described by William Hunter in 1757. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency, particularly when signs of acute compression or life-threatening symptoms appear. Although neoplastic causes—especially bronchopulmonary cancers and lymphomas—are the most common, non-tumor thrombotic causes may also be involved, particularly in patients with prothrombotic risk factors. Treatment depends on the identified cause and ranges from corticosteroids, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy to endovascular stent placement. Some patients can be managed conservatively with anticoagulation alone when thrombosis is predominant. We report here the case of a patient who developed SVCS of thrombotic origin, diagnosed via imaging, with a favorable outcome under anticoagulant therapy without invasive intervention.