Superior vena cava compression syndrome

• Published in: Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia Vol. 57; no. 2; p. 137
• Main Authors: Poterio, D I, Greguolo, C, Dos Santos, J L, Crialezi, H R, Zanardi, A M, Muniz, L E, Castilho, O T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01.08.1991
• Subjects: Aorta, Thoracic - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Aneurysm - complications; Aortic Aneurysm - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - diagnostic imaging; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome - etiology
• ISSN: 0066-782X

The superior vena cava syndrome that causes difficulties on venous return to the heart is a uncommon clinical entity and actually, more than 90% of the cases are secondary to a malignant intrathoracic process, rather than the intrinsic diseases of the aorta that is a rare etiology of the compression. The present report documents an aortic ascending atherosclerotic aneurysm that developed a superior vena cava compression syndrome. The literature was reviewed, stressing some important aspects about the etiology, physiopathology, diagnostic procedures, prognostic and treatment of this syndrome.