Superior vena cava obstruction: A modern management strategy

• Published in: Clinical oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)) Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 83 - 89
• Main Authors: Ostler, P.J., Clarke, D.P., Watkinson, A.F., Gaze, M.N.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Algorithms; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Chemotherapy; Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous; Humans; Intervention radiology; Management; Medical sciences; Neoplasms - complications; Neoplasms - therapy; Pneumology; Radiotherapy; Superior vena cava obstruction; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - diagnosis; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - etiology; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - therapy; Tumors of the respiratory system and mediastinum; Chemotherapy; Intervention radiology; Management; Radiotherapy; Superior vena cava obstruction; Vascular disease; Human; Treatment; Vena cava disease; Etiology; Cardiovascular disease; Complication; Obliteration; Malignant tumor; Superior vena cava
• ISSN: 0936-6555; 1433-2981
• DOI: 10.1016/S0936-6555(05)80445-5

Superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) is a distressing syndrome. The condition may present to specialists in many branches of medicine, but patients have traditionally been referred on to clinical oncologists for management, as malignancy is the main aetiological factor. Treatment without a histological diagnosis is no longer justified, because management needs to be tailored to the underlying disease. This article reviews the causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and therapy options. The role of stenting in SVCO is discussed and a management algorithm is proposed.