Obstruction of the superior vena cava

What it means

Blockage of blood flow through the superior vena cava (SVC). Because the venous drainage from the upper extremities, upper thorax and head is obstructed, SVC obstruction presents with symptoms related to engorgement of these areas. Both the degree of SVC compromise and the extent of collateral veins determine the varied clinical presentation, which can be as mild as slight facial and upper extremity edema or as dire as intracranial swelling, seizures, hemodynamic instability and tracheal obstruction.

Diagnosis of superior vena cava obstruction may be made by computed tomography with contrast and other means.

Rare diseases that can present with this2

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Superior vena cava obstruction · Superior vena cava syndrome