Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (Superior Vena Cava Obstruction)

A condition that occurs when the obstruction of the thin-walled SUPERIOR VENA CAVA interrupts blood flow from the head, upper extremities, and thorax to the RIGHT ATRIUM. Obstruction can be caused by NEOPLASMS; THROMBOSIS; ANEURYSM; or external compression. The syndrome is characterized by swelling and/or CYANOSIS of the face, neck, and upper arms which is called Pemberton's sign. Classification of SVC obstruction is often based on COLLATERAL CIRCULATION.

Also Known As:

Networked: 936 relevant articles (65 outcomes, 44 trials/studies)

Relationship Network

Disease Context: Research Results

Related Diseases

1.	Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (Superior Vena Cava Obstruction)
2.	Neoplasms (Cancer)
3.	Breast Neoplasms (Breast Cancer)
4.	Thymoma (Thymic Carcinoma)
5.	Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)

Experts

1.	Chick, Jeffrey Forris Beecham: 4 articles (11/2022 - 11/2017)
2.	Zhang, Jinghui: 3 articles (07/2021 - 01/2017)
3.	Baumgartner, Iris: 3 articles (06/2019 - 10/2002)
4.	Bjarnason, Haraldur: 3 articles (12/2018 - 11/2014)
5.	Jiang, Sen: 3 articles (08/2018 - 08/2013)
6.	Gwon, Dong Il: 3 articles (01/2014 - 03/2012)
7.	Triller, Jürgen: 3 articles (07/2008 - 10/2002)
8.	Nfonoyim, Jay: 2 articles (05/2022 - 04/2020)
9.	Fu, Yu-Fei: 2 articles (02/2022 - 05/2019)
10.	Funakoshi, Shinsuke: 2 articles (01/2022 - 12/2021)

Drugs and Biologics

Drugs and Important Biological Agents (IBA) related to Superior Vena Cava Syndrome:

1.	nitinolIBA 09/01/2013 - "Large-bore nitinol stents are highly effective for malignant superior vena cava syndrome. " 12/01/2020 - "To retrospectively evaluate the technical and clinical outcomes of superior vena cava (SVC) stent placement through upper-limb venous access in malignant SVC syndrome (SVCS) and compare the efficacy of different nitinol stent types. " 12/01/2014 - "This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes following nitinol stent placement for malignant superior vena cava syndrome. " 12/01/2015 - "A new nitinol stent for use in superior vena cava syndrome. " 09/01/2013 - "The purpose of this article is to retrospectively evaluate the technical and clinical outcomes of large-bore nitinol stents for treating malignant superior vena cava syndrome. "
2.	AnticoagulantsIBA 02/13/2023 - "Treatment of pacemaker-induced superior vena cava syndrome by direct oral anticoagulant." 02/23/2016 - "The patient received anticoagulant due to the superior vena cava (SVC) thrombosis while waiting for a donor. " 01/01/1982 - "Symptoms of the superior vena cava syndrome were successfully treated with anticoagulants. " 08/01/1980 - "Both patients had symptoms and signs of the superior vena cava syndrome which failed to resolve despite anticoagulant and thrombolytic treatment. " 10/01/2014 - "Anticoagulant therapy in oncologic patients undergoing venous stenting for superior vena cava syndrome and other interventional procedures."
3.	Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)FDA Link 10/01/2003 - "Three patients were alive without disease at the end of follow-up (40-96 mo), one patient died of postoperative complications after 4 mo, 2 patients died of disease after 4 and 12 mo. PTFE by-pass graft for treatment of the obstructed SVC relieves SVC syndrome and has good medium term patency." 11/01/2017 - "Polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents have shown to have higher long-term cumulative patency rates compared with uncovered stents for the treatment of malignant SVC syndrome. " 01/01/2014 - "Between October 2008 and November 2012, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent placement for malignant SVC syndrome was performed in 40 consecutive patients (35 men and five women; mean age, 61.4 years; range, 35-81 years). " 03/01/2013 - "To evaluate outcomes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stents and compare them with outcomes of uncovered stents in patients with malignant superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. " 03/01/2004 - "In this report, we present two cases of severe symptomatic SVC syndrome as a result of invasive thymomas, which were treated successfully using a composite graft made by pericardial tube and ringed polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) graft. "
4.	StreptokinaseFDA Link 01/01/1987 - "Iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome treated with streptokinase." 11/01/1985 - "[Superior vena cava syndrome caused by a pacemaker cable, treated with streptokinase]." 01/01/1987 - "Streptokinase appears to be highly effective in the treatment of iatrogenic superior vena cava syndrome from Hickman catheters. " 09/01/1982 - "Intravenous streptokinase therapy for superior vena cava thrombosis was unsuccessful." 12/01/1981 - "Successful streptokinase therapy of acute idiopathic superior vena cava thrombosis."
5.	Cisplatin (Platino)FDA LinkGeneric 08/01/2002 - "We report a case of a 51-year old man with small cell lung cancer who developed superior vena cava syndrome due to obstruction of the superior vena cava at the junction of the brachiocephalic vein by a fibrotic band, 2 months after completing six cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposid. " 03/01/1997 - "Systemic chemotherapy with chronic oral etoposide, and then 5 courses of intravenous cisplatin and etoposide (PE) resulted in disease progression with multiple new lung nodules and a severe superior vena cava syndrome. " 11/05/1982 - "Complete clinical remission was achieved in a very large lymphocytic thymoma with infiltration of both lungs and almost complete atelectasis of the left lung as well as superior vena cava syndrome using adriamycin (80 mg/m2, day 1) and cis-platinum (120 mg/m2, day 1). " 04/29/2010 - "A 44-year-old Hispanic man with a primary mediastinal seminoma complicated by superior vena cava syndrome underwent treatment with four cycles of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin. " 12/01/2022 - "In this article, we report a stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) that achieved a complete response in 2018 with chemotherapy (cisplatin and paclitaxel) after pembrolizumab and after the patient had received radiotherapy for superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). "
6.	Carboplatin (JM8)FDA LinkGeneric 01/01/1996 - "[A case of superior vena cava syndrome treated with combination radiation and CRE (CBDCA and VP-16) therapy]." 10/01/2007 - "She received three courses of paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy; however, she developed massive right pleural effusion with superior vena cava syndrome and finally succumbed to the disease, three months later. " 01/01/1996 - "We encountered a patient with SVC syndrome due to lung cancer who was successfully treated by combination carboplatin, etoposide and hyperfractionation radiotherapy. " 12/01/1996 - "Treatment associated cyclophosphamide and carboplatin with anti-K-vitamin was administrated, with a complete remission and disappearance of superior vena cava thrombosis at 27 months of evolution. " 05/01/2002 - "Although 3 cycles of a combination of gemcitabine (GEM) with vinorelbine (VNR) and one cycle of carboplatin (CBDCA) with weekly paclitaxel (TXL) were administered, the tumor continued to grow with symptomatic progression of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). "
7.	Tissue Plasminogen Activator (Alteplase)FDA Link 02/01/2005 - "Systemic recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may be useful in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome in children." 05/01/1991 - "Treatment of superior vena cava thrombosis with recombinant tissue type plasminogen activator." 01/01/2001 - "Treatment of superior vena cava syndrome with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in a sickle cell patient undergoing bone marrow transplantation." 01/01/2001 - "The role of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in the resolution of SVC syndrome caused by thrombosis in the bone marrow transplant settings has not been described. " 02/01/2005 - "Thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator for superior vena cava thrombosis in an infant with sepsis."
8.	Adrenal Cortex Hormones (Corticosteroids)IBA 08/01/2012 - "The use of corticosteroids in spinal cord compression, superior vena cava obstruction, raised intracranial pressure, and bowel obstruction is better established than in other nonspecific indications. " 08/12/2015 - "Primary care patients with superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) syndrome are usually referred to emergency departments for urgent medical management (high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation), pre-biopsy radiotherapy and/or stent placements to restore patency to the vessel. " 01/01/2012 - "She had had a history of complications due to BD including superior vena cava thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, uveitis, and erythema nodosum and has reported the administration of corticosteroid therapy irregularly. " 01/01/2020 - "Meanwhile, corticosteroids were predicted to be effective against dyspnea in patients with lymphangitis carcinomatosa, superior vena cava syndrome, major airway obstruction, and audible wheezing. " 12/01/2023 - "Some clinicians would offer corticosteroids routinely regardless of the causes of dyspnea, while others would only prescribe corticosteroids selectively for specific indications, such as lymphangitic carcinomatosis, upper airway obstruction, superior vena cava obstruction, and cancer treatment-induced pneumonitis. "
9.	GlucocorticoidsIBA 01/01/2022 - "Glucocorticoid administration during palliative care is recommended for a number of specific indications, such as neural compression, neuropathic pain, bone pain and metastasis, liver capsule pain, malignant intestinal obstruction, increased cerebral pressure, malignant spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, carcinomatous lymphangitis, and large airway compression. " 09/01/2003 - "Combined treatment with glucocorticoids, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants was effective in superior vena cava syndrome and extracranial arterial occlusion. " 10/01/2013 - "After radiotherapy to the mediastinum with glucocorticoid failed, anticancer pharmacotherapy including paclitaxel, gemicitabine, and cisplatin proved effective and SVC syndrome resolved. "
10.	Oxidoreductases (Dehydrogenase)IBA 02/01/2008 - "Of the 24 patients, 16 were men and 8 were women, aged from 12 to 81; 20 were at stage I-II, 1 at stage III, and 3 at stage IV; 13 had bulk disease; 10 had superior vena cava syndrome; 14 had contiguous infiltration; 15 had lacate dehydrogenase elevation; 11 received chemoradiotherapy, 10 received chemotherapy alone, and 3 received radiotherapy alone; 10 achieved complete remission (CR) after scheduled treatment, 12 achieved partial remission (PR), 1 had stable disease and 1 had progressive disease. " 08/01/2006 - "Otherwise, sex, age at diagnosis, nodal spread, pleural effusion, bronchial obstruction, superior vena cava obstruction, performance status, weight loss, and lactic dehydrogenase at presentation, were comparable between the two groups. "

Therapies and Procedures

1.	Stents 12/01/1999 - "Recently developed expandable metallic stents have been adopted to superior vena cava syndrome with good results. " 04/01/1994 - "Recently developed expandable metallic stents have been adopted to superior vena cava syndrome with good results. " 06/01/2014 - "SVC stent implantation is more effective than angioplasty in relief of SVC obstruction. " 03/01/2013 - "Endovascular placement of ePTFE-covered stents appeared to be a safe and effective method to treat patients with malignant SVC syndrome and seemed to be superior to uncovered stents in terms of stent patency." 11/15/2007 - "SVC obstruction can be safely and effectively treated using endovascular stents."
2.	Radiotherapy 12/01/1989 - "Superior Vena Cava Syndrome was improved quickly and reducing the target volume to the right atrium after 40 Gy radiotherapy was continued up to a total dose of 60 Gy. A complete remission was documented by echocardiography and computed tomography. " 01/01/1996 - "A study was made of 34 patients concerning the palliation effect of radiation therapy in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). " 04/01/1981 - "[Study of the radiotherapy for superior vena cava syndrome (author's transl)]." 09/01/2023 - "Comparison between 1-week and 2-week palliative radiotherapy courses for superior vena cava syndrome." 12/01/2022 - "Symptom relief, prognostic factors, and outcome in patients receiving urgent radiation therapy for superior vena cava syndrome : A single-center retrospective analysis of 21 years' practice."
3.	Drug Therapy (Chemotherapy) 08/01/2009 - "SVC syndrome disappeared completely after the 1st cycle, and he achieved remission after the 3rd cycle of chemotherapy. " 10/17/2018 - "Due to the lack of airway compromise, this instance of SVC syndrome was not emergently treated with radiation or chemotherapy. " 08/01/2015 - "We present a 31 year old woman with an infusion port placed for chemotherapy who developed acute SVC obstruction. " 01/01/2015 - "This experience suggests, that in cases of SVC syndrome with widespread advanced disease, stenting and chemotherapy with or without RT may be the most important initial treatment plan, depending on goals of care. " 04/01/2014 - "Stenting for malignant SVC syndrome provides immediate and sustained symptomatic relief that lasts until death in this set of patients with a short life expectancy and restores the central venous access for administration of chemotherapy. "
4.	Therapeutics 02/13/2023 - "DOACs are effective in the treatment of SVC syndrome after pacemaker implantation, representing an important new approach. It is a very good choice for patients who do not want to undergo interventional therapy." 04/01/2011 - "The presence of the SVC syndrome does not reduce the likelihood ofa cure for the underlying malignant condition, and should not compromise the choice of appropriate therapy." 04/01/2011 - "To demonstrate short-term effectiveness and long-term efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without adjunctive therapy in treatment of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). " 10/01/1987 - "Treatment relieved the symptoms in 69% of the patients with malignant superior vena cava syndrome, and no patient had recurrent symptoms after therapy." 04/01/2018 - "This study demonstrates that endovascular therapy is a safe and feasible approach for managing FM-related SVC syndrome."
5.	Catheters 01/01/2013 - "In cases of thrombogenic catheter-associated SVC syndrome, anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment. " 10/01/2017 - "This case shows that catheter-directed thrombolysis may be used as a safe treatment for catheter-induced acute SVC syndrome in patients who have undergone catheter insertion in the central vein." 12/01/2023 - "CEUS had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing catheter-related RBV and SVC obstructions." 12/01/2023 - "Management with right atrium to jugular and brachiocephalic vein bypass for dialysis catheter-related superior vena cava syndrome." 01/01/2023 - "Catheter-associated superior vena cava syndrome."