superior vena cava syndrome

obstruction of SVC with development of collateral pathways

etiology:

bronchogenic carcinoma (> 50%)
lymphoma
granulomatous mediastinitis
- histoplasmosis, sarcoidosis, TB
substernal goiter
ascending aortic aneurysm
pacer wires; central venous catheters (25%)
constrictive pericarditis

collaterals:

esophageal varices ("downhill varices")
azygos/hemiazygos veins
accesory hemiazygos and superior intercostal veins ("aortic nipple")
lateral thoracic veins and umbilical vein
vertebral veins

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© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18