Obstruction of the superior vena cava; Superior caval vein occlusion

Acute or chronic thrombotic occlusion of the superior vena cava.

Thrombosis of the superior vena cava is most often caused by intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction attributable to a wide variety of disease entities such as malignancy, extension of central venous thrombosis to the superior vena cava, indwelling catheter induced disease, fibrosing mediastinitis, irradiation, and tuberculosis to name a few.

Symptoms range from congestion and edema of the upper thorax, the face, and the arms to dyspnea, dysphagia, cognitive dysfunction, and pulmonary embolism.

see Diagnosis

Since the clinical presentation is variable, imaging techniques need to be incorporated in the diagnostic process.

For the diagnosis of superior caval vein thrombosis and consecutive endovascular treatment options reading of the...