What happens in superior vena cava syndrome?

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a group of symptoms that occur when there is pressure on the superior vena cava, or it is partially blocked and blood can’t flow back to the heart normally. This causes more pressure in the veins and face, which leads to a buildup of fluid or swelling.

What happens when the superior vena cava is blocked?

This vein is in the middle of the chest and is surrounded by lymph nodes. Superior vena cava syndrome is the name given to the symptoms that occur when the blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked or compressed. These symptoms include breathing problems, lightheadedness, and swelling in the upper body.

What happens when blood flow in the IVC is obstructed?

A blockage in the inferior vena cava (IVC) can lead to chronic leg swelling, pain, and immobility, according to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) IVC Filter Clinic.

What are the complications of superior vena cava syndrome?

SVCS is serious when it occurs in adults. But it can be life-threatening in children. Symptoms include trouble breathing, coughing, and swelling of the face, neck, upper body, and arms. Treatment options for SVCS caused by cancer may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, thrombolysis, and stent placement.

What would happen in the circulatory system if the superior vena cava is obstructed superior to the entrance of the Azygous vein?

In superior vena cava syndrome, the azygos vein may be filled by anterograde or retrograde flow. If the obstruction is above the azygos vein, the flow direction will be retrograde.

How can you tell the difference between SVC and IVC obstruction?

The most common symptoms of SVC obstruction are headache, shortness of breath (SOB), facial plethora, upper limb edema, and distended neck and upper chest veins [2]. IVC obstruction commonly presents with lower limb edema, tachycardia, and supine hypotensive syndrome [3].

How is superior vena cava syndrome diagnosed?

The most common physical findings are facial, neck, and arm swelling and dilated veins in the chest. CT with IV contrast is used to confirm the diagnosis of SVCS; MRI is helpful in cases in which IV contrast is contraindicated. SVCS is commonly considered an oncological emergency, but most SVCS cases are not.

What are the differences between superior vena cava and inferior vena cava?

The vena cava has two parts: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The superior vena cava carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest. The inferior vena cava carries blood from the legs, feet, and organs in the abdomen and pelvis. The vena cava is the largest vein in the body.

What is the role of superior vena cava in heart?

The superior vena cava carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest. The inferior vena cava carries blood from the legs, feet, and organs in the abdomen and pelvis.

What type of blood does the superior vena cava carry?

oxygen-poor blood
What does the vena cava do? Your superior vena cava and inferior vena cava have the important function of carrying oxygen-poor blood to your heart’s right atrium, where it moves into your right ventricle and then to your lungs (through your pulmonary artery) to trade in carbon dioxide for oxygen.

Why is the superior vena cava important?

Your superior vena cava and inferior vena cava have the important function of carrying oxygen-poor blood to your heart’s right atrium, where it moves into your right ventricle and then to your lungs (through your pulmonary artery) to trade in carbon dioxide for oxygen.

Is superior vena cava syndrome an emergency?

The superior vena cava (SVC) is a large blood vessel that sends blood from the upper body and head to the heart. SVC syndrome happens when blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked. SVC syndrome is an oncologic emergency, which is a serious health problem caused by the cancer itself or its treatment.

How common is SVC syndrome?

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome occurs in approximately 15,000 people in the United States each year (1). The syndrome was originally described as being secondary to an infection, such as tuberculosis, or a syphilitic aortic aneurysm (2–4).

What is SVC thrombosis?

The superior vena cava is a major vein in your upper body. It carries blood from your head, neck, upper chest, and arms to the heart. Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) happens when the superior vena cava is partially blocked or compressed. Cancer is usually the main cause of SVCS.

How long can you have superior vena cava syndrome?

The outlook for SVCS depends upon the condition’s underlying cause and additional symptoms. If patients have symptoms of brain or throat swelling, the prognosis is poor and can result in sudden death. Patients with lung cancer who experience SVCS have a life expectancy that doesn’t usually exceed 24 months .

Why is superior vena cava syndrome and oncologic emergency?

What is superior vena cava syndrome?

Continuing Education Activity Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a collection of clinical signs and symptoms resulting from either partial or complete obstruction of blood flow through the SVC. This obstruction is most commonly a result of thrombus formation or tumor infiltration of the vessel wall.

What causes an obstruction of the superior vena cava?

This obstruction is most commonly a result of thrombus formation or tumor infiltration of the vessel wall. The superior vena cava is formed by the junction of the left and right innominate (brachiocephalic) veins and is tasked with returning blood from the head, neck, upper extremities, and torso back to the heart.

What are the signs and symptoms of vena cava syndrome (VC)?

Shortness of breath is the most common symptom, followed by face or arm swelling. Following are frequent symptoms: Superior vena cava syndrome usually presents more gradually with an increase in symptoms over time as malignancies increase in size or invasiveness.

How does cancer affect the superior vena cava?

The cancer can cause SVCS in several ways: A tumor in the chest may press on the superior vena cava. A tumor may grow into the superior vena cava, causing a blockage. Cancer can spread to the lymph nodes surrounding the superior vena cava. Then the lymph nodes may enlarge and press on or block the vein. Cancer may cause a blood clot in the vein.