Superior Vena Cava Obstruction

Question 1

what cancer is superior vena cava obstruction most commonly associated with?

Answer 1

lung cancer - specifically small cell lung cancer

Question 2

what are the features of superior vena cava obstruction?

Answer 2

• dyspnoea
• swelling of the face, neck and arms
• headache - often worse in the mornings
• visual disturbance
• pulseless jugular venous distension

worsened on bending forward

Question 3

what are the causes of superior vena cava obstruction?

Answer 3

• malignancy
• aortic aneurysm
• mediastinal fibrosis
• goitre
• SVC thrombosis

Question 4

what investigation is done in suspected superior vena cava obstruction?

Answer 4

urgent CT chest

Question 5

what is the inital treatment of superior vena cava obstruction?

Answer 5

• sitting the patient up
• oxygen
• stat dose of dexamethasone (to reduce swelling)

Question 6

what is the definitive management options for superior vena cava obstruction?

Answer 6

• SVC stenting
• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy