The Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Wacław Kuczmik; Krzysztof Szaniewski; Zbigniew Kaletka; Dariusz Zejc; Jacek Kostyra; Tomasz Ludyga; Jacek Samorodny; Krzysztof Ziaja

Vol 3, No 4 (2001)

Published online: 2002-04-25

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The Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Wacław Kuczmik, Krzysztof Szaniewski, Zbigniew Kaletka, Dariusz Zejc, Jacek Kostyra, Tomasz Ludyga, Jacek Samorodny, Krzysztof Ziaja

Chirurgia Polska 2001;3(4):195-198.

Vol 3, No 4 (2001)

Published online: 2002-04-25

Abstract

The Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) is an occasionally manifested set of symptoms resulting from the impairment of the blood flow in the superior vena cava. As a result of the disease, oedema of the larynx, as well as oedema of the brain, may occur. The SVCS can be caused by neoplasms located in the thorax, especially in the mediastinum, and can result from the complications of the venous catheters inserted for a long time in the superior vena cava. The SVCS treatment requires pharmacotherapy, sometimes together with the use of endovascular techniques or vascular surgery procedures. The treatment result depends, in the vast majority of cases, on the aetiology of the syndrome.