Superior vena cava syndrome - what it is, symptoms, treatment. Superior vena cava syndrome Superior vena cava compression syndrome treatment

is a symptom complex that develops as a result of circulatory disorders in the superior vena cava system and difficulty in the outflow of venous blood from the upper parts of the body. Classic signs of superior vena cava syndrome are: cyanosis; puffiness of the head, neck, upper limbs, upper half of the chest; expansion of saphenous veins; shortness of breath, hoarseness, cough, etc. General cerebral, ocular, and hemorrhagic manifestations often develop. The diagnostic algorithm may include radiography of the chest, venocavagraphy, CT and MRI of the chest, ultrasound, mediastinoscopy, thoracoscopy with biopsy. In case of the syndrome, endovascular balloon angioplasty and stenting, thrombectomy, resection of the SVC, bypass surgery, and palliative removal of the tumor to decompress the mediastinum can be performed.

General information

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVVC), or cava syndrome, is understood as a secondary pathological condition that complicates many diseases associated with damage to the mediastinal organs. The basis of cava syndrome is extravasal compression or thrombosis of the superior vena cava, which disrupts the outflow of venous blood from the head, shoulder girdle and upper half of the body, which can lead to life-threatening complications. Superior vena cava syndrome develops 3-4 times more often in male patients aged 30-60 years. In clinical practice, specialists in the field of thoracic surgery and pulmonology, oncology, cardiac surgery, and phlebology have to deal with superior vena cava syndrome.

The superior vena cava (SVC) is located in the middle mediastinum. It is a thin-walled vessel surrounded by dense structures - the chest wall, aorta, trachea, bronchi, and a chain of lymph nodes. Features of the structure and topography of the SVC, as well as physiologically low venous pressure, cause easy occurrence of obstruction of the main vessel. The SVC drains blood from the head, neck, upper shoulder girdle and upper chest. The superior vena cava has a system of anastomoses that perform a compensatory function when the patency of the SVC is impaired. However, venous collaterals cannot completely replace the SVC. With superior vena cava syndrome, the pressure in its pool can reach 200-500 mm of water. Art.

Causes of SVPV

The following pathological processes can contribute to the development of superior vena cava syndrome: extravasal compression of the SVC, tumor invasion of the SVC wall, or thrombosis. In 80-90% of cases, the direct causes of cava syndrome are lung cancer, predominantly right-sided localization (small cell, squamous cell, adenocarcinoma); lymphogranulomatosis, lymphomas; metastases of breast cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer in the mediastinum; sarcoma, etc.

In other cases, compression of the SVC can be caused by benign tumors of the mediastinum (cysts, thymomas), fibrous mediastinitis, aortic aneurysm, constrictive pericarditis, infectious lesions: (syphilis, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis), substernal goiter. Superior vena cava syndrome may be caused by thrombosis of the SVC, which develops against the background of prolonged catheterization of the vein with a central venous catheter or the presence of pacemaker electrodes in it.

Symptoms of SVPV

Clinical manifestations of superior vena cava syndrome are caused by increased venous pressure in vessels from which blood normally flows through the SVC or innominate veins. The severity of manifestations is influenced by the rate of development of the superior vena cava syndrome, the level and degree of circulatory disturbance, and the adequacy of collateral venous outflow. Depending on this, the clinical course of superior vena cava syndrome can be slowly progressive (with compression and invasion of the SVC) or acute (with thrombosis of the SVC).

The classic triad that characterizes superior vena cava syndrome includes edema, cyanosis, and dilatation of superficial veins of the face, neck, upper extremities, and upper torso. Patients may be bothered by shortness of breath at rest, attacks of suffocation, hoarseness, dysphagia, cough, chest pain. These symptoms worsen when lying down, so patients are forced to take a semi-sitting position in bed. In a third of cases, stridor is noted, caused by laryngeal edema and threatening airway obstruction.

Complications

Often, with superior vena cava syndrome, nasal, pulmonary, and esophageal bleeding develop, caused by venous hypertension and rupture of thinned vessel walls.

Violation of the venous outflow from the cranial cavity leads to the development of cerebral symptoms:

• headache
• noise in the head
• drowsiness
• confusion and loss of consciousness.

Due to dysfunction of the oculomotor and auditory nerves, the following may develop:

• diplopia
• bilateral exophthalmos
• lacrimation
• eye fatigue
• decreased visual acuity
• auditory hallucinations

Diagnostics

Physical examination of a patient with superior vena cava syndrome reveals swelling of the veins of the neck, an expanded network of subcutaneous venous vessels in the chest, plethora or cyanosis of the face, and swelling of the upper half of the torso. If superior vena cava syndrome is suspected, all patients are advised to undergo an X-ray examination - chest radiography in two projections, tomography (computer, spiral, magnetic resonance). In some cases, to determine the location and severity of venous obstruction, phlebography (venocavagraphy) is used.

CT scan of the chest. A sharp narrowing of the lumen of the superior vena cava due to the growth of a mediastinal tumor into it with severe difficulty in the outflow of venous blood from the head and upper extremities

For the purpose of differential diagnosis of SVC thrombosis and external obstruction, ultrasound examination of the carotid and supraclavicular veins is indicated. Examination of the fundus by an ophthalmologist reveals tortuosity and dilatation of the retinal veins, swelling of the peripapillary region, and congestive optic disc. When measuring intraocular pressure, a significant increase may be noted.

To determine the causes of superior vena cava syndrome and verify the morphological diagnosis, bronchoscopy with biopsy and sputum sampling may be required; sputum analysis for atypical cells, cytological examination of bronchial lavage fluids, lymph node biopsy (core biopsy), sternal puncture with myelogram examination. If necessary, diagnostic thoracoscopy, mediastinoscopy, mediastinotomy, or parasternal thoracotomy may be performed to explore and biopsy the mediastinum.

Differential diagnosis of cava syndrome is carried out with congestive heart failure: with superior vena cava syndrome there is no peripheral edema, hydrothorax, or ascites.

Treatment of SVPV

Symptomatic treatment of superior vena cava syndrome is aimed at increasing the functional reserves of the body. It includes the appointment of a low-salt diet, oxygen inhalation, diuretics, and glucocorticoids. After establishing the cause that caused the development of superior vena cava syndrome, pathogenetic treatment is carried out.

Thus, for superior vena cava syndrome caused by lung cancer, lymphoma, lymphogranulomatosis, metastases of tumors in other locations, polychemotherapy and radiation therapy are performed. If the development of superior vena cava syndrome is caused by thrombosis of the SVC, thrombolytic therapy is prescribed, thrombectomy is performed, and in some cases, resection of a segment of the superior vena cava with replacement of the resected area with a venous homograft.

With extravasal compression of the SVC, radical interventions may include extended removal of a mediastinal tumor, removal of mediastinal lymphoma, thoracoscopic removal of a benign mediastinal tumor, removal of a mediastinal cyst, etc. If it is impossible to perform a radical operation, they resort to various palliative surgical interventions aimed at improving venous outflow: tumor removal mediastinum for the purpose of decompression, bypass, percutaneous endovascular balloon angioplasty and stenting of the superior vena cava.

Forecast

Long-term results of treatment for superior vena cava syndrome depend, first of all, on the underlying disease and the possibilities of its radical treatment. Elimination of the causes leads to relief of the manifestations of cava syndrome. The acute course of superior vena cava syndrome can cause rapid death of the patient. With superior vena cava syndrome caused by advanced cancer, the prognosis is unfavorable.

Superior vena cava syndrome (synonymous with cava syndrome) is a clinical picture that develops as a result of impaired blood flow in the superior vena cava and innominate veins. Most often, superior vena cava syndrome is observed in people aged 30-60 years, and in men it develops 3-4 times more often than in women.

The causes of compression or blockage of the superior vena cava are intrathoracic tumors, aortic aneurysm, mediastinitis of various etiologies, primary thrombosis of the superior vena cava, lymphogranulomatosis, adhesive pericarditis, etc.

Superior vena cava syndrome manifests itself with a classic triad of signs: edema, cyanosis and dilatation of the superficial veins of the face, neck, upper half of the torso and upper extremities. In some cases, patients experience nasal, esophageal and tracheobronchial bleeding. Particularly noteworthy are the following symptoms of impaired venous outflow from the cranial cavity: 1) symptoms resulting from venous stagnation in the brain: headache, “feeling of fullness” and “machine noise” in the head, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, in severe cases - focal and generalized seizures; 2) symptoms caused by a violation of cortical neuroregulation: rapid emotional fatigue and drowsiness, attacks of dizziness accompanied by loss of consciousness, confusion, auditory hallucinations; 3) symptoms associated with dysfunction of the auditory and oculomotor nerves: tinnitus, hearing loss, diplopia; 4) eye symptoms - rapid eye fatigue, tearing, a feeling of pressure in the orbital area, aggravated by emotional stress, decreased visual acuity. When examining the fundus, the following are revealed: dilation and tortuosity of the retinal veins, peripapillary edema, blurring of the contours of the optic nerve nipple. Intraocular pressure may be significantly increased.

Obstruction of the superior vena cava and innominate veins is a serious disease with a progressive course and poor prognosis. Conservative treatment, as a rule, turns out to be ineffective due to the irreversibility of the process (thrombosis of the superior vena cava). Therefore, the only method of radical treatment for superior vena cava syndrome is surgery.

The absolute indications for surgical treatment of superior vena cava syndrome are: rapidly progressive development of the syndrome; lack of adequate collateral circulation; blockage of the superior vena cava and azygos vein; 4) compression of the superior vena cava by rapidly growing benign neoplasms.

Among radical operations, the most effective and technically simplest is radical decompression - removal of a tumor formation compressing a vein. In acute thrombosis of the superior vena cava, thrombectomy is indicated. If resection of the superior vena cava is necessary, the best material for replacing the resected segment is a venous homograft. Palliative operations do not eliminate the causes of venous obstruction and are aimed at improving venous outflow in the superior vena cava system using decompression or bypass methods.

Superior vena cava syndrome is a complex of manifestations that occurs when blood circulation in the innominate veins and superior vena cava is impaired, as well as difficulty in the outflow of venous blood from the upper region of the body. This disease most often manifests itself at the age of thirty to sixty years, while in men it develops three to four times more often than in women.

Its main manifestation is the expansion of the network of saphenous veins in the anterior region of the chest on one or both sides. The incidence of this condition has increased markedly in recent years, which is explained by the increase in the number of lung cancer cases.

Signs

Classic signs of superior vena cava syndrome include:

• puffiness of the face, swelling of the veins;
• cyanosis;
• swelling of the arms, neck, upper chest;
• difficulty breathing;
• cough, hoarseness, enlarged tongue, nasal congestion;
• tracheobronchial, esophageal, nasal bleeding;
• drowsiness, fainting, dizziness;
• expansion of the subcutaneous veins.

In a lying position and when bending the body forward, the symptoms appear more noticeably. In severe cases of the disease, impaired consciousness and exophthalmos are observed. Indicators increase rapidly with malignant tumors; with benign tumors the picture develops much more slowly. Symptoms of the pathological process depend on the adequacy of collateral blood circulation and the level of compression of the lumen of the superior vena cava.

Causes

Superior vena cava syndrome develops when the outflow of venous blood from the arms, neck and head is impaired, caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava. In most cases (more than 90%), the disease occurs due to a malignant tumor. Most often, this is lung cancer, squamous cell or small cell. The cause can also be lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma, metastases in the mediastinum, breast cancer, testicular tumors.

Other causes include: benign tumor; an increase in the size of the thyroid gland; aortic aneurysm; fibrous idiopathic mediastinitis; thrombosis of the superior vena cava; infectious diseases: syphilis, tuberculosis, histioplasmosis; heart diseases.

In rare cases, compression syndrome of the superior vena cava, which develops rapidly, causes cerebral edema, increased intracranial pressure, and hemorrhagic stroke.

Diagnostics

Among the main methods for diagnosing the disease:

• CT scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.
• Bronchological studies.
• Phlebography.
• Double biopsy.
• Thoracoscopy.

Based on the results of the examination, it is possible to determine the localization of the pathological process, the nature and length of the vein, collateral blood flow, and tumor damage to other structures located in the chest and mediastinum. The photo obtained as a result of the study allows for more accurate sampling of material in order to determine the morphological structure of the tumor.

Treatment

Superior vena cava syndrome is not directly related to the pathology that caused it, therefore it is mainly subject to symptomatic therapy. In this case, the main tasks are to activate the body’s internal reserves, as well as alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

• a diet with minimal salt content;
• a course of glucocorticosteroids and diuretics;
• oxygen inhalations.

However, although the listed procedures are effective and useful, they are not able to cope with the main cause, and therefore can be considered as auxiliary. If the source of the problem is a tumor, then the treatment methods must be different.

If the disease is provoked by lung cancer, lymphogranulomatosis, lymph, tumor metastases, they resort to radiation therapy and polychemotherapy.

In conditions caused by thrombosis of the superior vena cava, thrombectomy, thrombolytic therapy, and in some situations, replacement of the resected area with a venous homograft are prescribed.

If it is impossible to perform radical surgery, palliative surgical interventions are used that improve venous outflow, percutaneous angioplasty, and bypass surgery.

Superior vena cava syndrome is a sudden difficulty or complete cessation of blood flow in the corresponding place. For the first time (in 1754), this disease was described by Gunther.

Over time, this pathology has been described in more detail and in detail from a clinical and pathological point of view.

However, all these studies were only academic in nature, since all treatment was limited to prescribing and taking only medications that did not give an effective result.

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Literary sources eloquently indicate that obstruction of blood vessels is much more common than previously thought by medical experts.

This pathology is not always correctly recognized - this fact is due to the extremely rare practice of doctors and the lack of specific signs. A characteristic manifestation of the disease most often occurs already at the stage when it is necessary to take emergency treatment or therapy measures.

Anatomy

Before talking about the causes of the disease, its course, severity and diagnosis, it is necessary to find out, first of all, what the vena cava is.

At its core, it is a fairly thin-walled vessel located in the mediastinum and located in close proximity to structures that are quite tightly adjacent to each other, such as the bronchi, as well as the chest itself.

The superior vena cava is surrounded by chains and ligaments of lymph nodes that accompany it along its entire length.

The main function performed by this thin-walled vessel is to directly collect all the blood from the neck and head, as well as the chest and upper extremities. The function of compensation in the event of a sudden disruption of the patency of the entire vessel belongs to anastomoses that connect both basins of venous vessels.

The azygos vein is one such anastomosis. However, despite the large number of collaterals, they together cannot fully compensate for the blood flow in the superior vena cava. It is for this reason that the pathology is characterized by high pressure (about 200-500 mm of water column).

Causes

The main reasons against which this pathology most often develops are the following factors:

• a malignant formation that, as it develops and spreads, begins to grow into the walls of the vena cava.
• the formation of thrombotic masses and, as a consequence, the development of the blood clot itself.
• compression from the outside.

Thus, all of the above factors can be grouped and combined into one common cause for the formation of this syndrome.

Thrombosis of the superior vena cava is any pathological process, which in its development contributes to an increase in the volume of mediastinal tissue or a decrease in the venous lumen, and may be the main factor due to which vein thrombosis develops.

Statistics in the field of medicine eloquently indicate that the main cause of the development of this pathological process is cancer - most often lung cancer. In almost 80% of cases, this pathology developed against the background of damage to the right side.

is considered the most common form of pathology, which with timely treatment can completely disappear.

Thrombosis of the hemorrhoidal node during pregnancy can occur in a woman against the background of problems with stool and chronic pathologies of the veins. Read more about the treatment.

In addition, there are also less common causes of the syndrome. For example, even a long-term presence of a catheter in the bed of a venous vessel can provoke the development of this pathology.

Symptoms of thrombosis of the superior vena cava

The very first signs of the pathological process are not particularly specific and characteristic. The most typical symptoms are observed only in rare cases.

The pathology does not differ in its spontaneous occurrence and characteristic manifestation of symptoms. Thus, approximately two-thirds of sick patients first complain of swelling in the face and neck, shortness of breath at rest, unreasonable cough and difficulty breathing.

As a result of these factors and against their background, sleep becomes problematic, since over time the severity of all of the above symptoms only intensifies and brings significant complications to the patient.

Less common symptoms are characterized by the following signs: characteristic wheezing is observed, which eloquently indicates a swollen larynx and the likelihood of airway obstruction. Increased pressure in the venous vessels can lead to more severe consequences, such as, for example, cerebral edema with all the corresponding symptoms and results.

In this case, a noticeable overflow of blood occurs, resulting in swelling in the face and neck. In this case, the skin in the area of ​​localization acquires a bluish tint and a characteristic expansion of peripheral vessels, which is noticeable even with the naked eye.

In extremely rare cases, which is typical for the rapid development of blockage of the superior vein, intracranial pressure can significantly increase, as well as cerebral edema, as well as thrombosis of cerebral vessels, and even a hemorrhagic stroke, which, in turn, leads to unfavorable results.

Diagnostics

The main methods that help diagnose superior cava syndrome are represented by magnetic resonance imaging, computer diagnostics and venography. In addition, there are also some instrumental methods that allow identifying and determining the location of a blood clot.

Innovative methods such as computed tomography or X-ray contrast angiography make it possible to more accurately and in detail determine the location of the pathology, as well as the nature of its origin and the extent of vein obstruction.

Thanks to all of the above methods, medical specialists are able to clearly localize the location of the tumor and carry out a relatively safe collection of material, which is subsequently necessary to determine the morphological structure of the tumor.

Computed tomography or X-ray contrast angiography can reveal the size of the tumor and its relationship to adjacent structures located in the chest and mediastinum

Treatment

The causes of thrombosis and the intensity of its spread determine the optimal selection of therapy. Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, the syndrome manages to fully develop even before the final diagnosis is made.

In order to effectively select medications and develop optimal therapy, it is necessary to determine the initial cause that contributed to the development of this pathology.

In severe cases of the process, when there is a threat to the patient’s life, treatment must be started without a final diagnosis. Basically, all ongoing medical or therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating the main symptoms and signs.

According to statistics, in half of the cases the formation of a pathological process is due to the course of a completely curable disease. The main thing is to identify it in a timely manner and begin treatment correctly.

Forecast

The final outcome of the disease depends on many factors. First of all, the main importance belongs directly to the primary causes that contributed to the development of the pathological process in the human body. In addition, the possibility and effectiveness of competent treatment of the underlying disease is of significant importance.

Elimination of the very cause of the pathology leads to relief of the main manifestations. Acute vein thrombosis can be fatal.

A pathological process that is solely driven by malignancy is likely to have a poor prognosis. In any case, it is very important to pay attention to the person’s condition, promptly identify the primary signs of thrombosis and consult a doctor.

Cava syndrome, or superior vena cava syndrome, is a complex of specific symptoms of impaired blood circulation in the upper part of the body. Characteristic symptoms include swelling of the neck, cyanosis of the skin and severe dilation of the veins. If these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is needed.

Kava syndrome is often a concomitant symptom of oncological processes affecting the circulatory and pulmonary systems. Pathology can occur in people of different ages and genders. The syndrome is diagnosed in several percent of cases in pregnant women and children.

Description of the disease and its complications

The superior vena cava is located in the internal space of the middle part of the thoracic cavity. It is surrounded by other tissues: the sternum wall, trachea, bronchi, aorta, lymph nodes. Its function: ensuring the outflow of blood from the lungs, head, and upper torso.

Superior vena cava syndrome is a complex of specific symptoms due to impaired circulation of the upper body

Superior vena cava syndrome is a disruption of normal blood circulation in the upper torso and head. This vessel can be compressed and change its structure during many pathological processes. As a result, the flow of blood from the arms, hands, face, head and neck is disrupted. The blood stagnates.

With superior vena cava syndrome, the danger is high blood pressure. In severe cases, this is 200-250 units in systole, which is life-threatening. Men aged 30 to 60 years are most susceptible to the syndrome.

If left untreated, the patient may experience the following complications:

• Various bleedings, which are diagnosed mainly in the upper body. The patient will be bothered by bloody discharge from the nose, eyes, and a cough that may be streaked with blood.
• Stagnation of blood can cause sagittal sinus thrombosis.
• Impaired blood flow from the head causes swelling of the brain, severe headaches, and increased intracranial pressure.
• The most dangerous consequence of the syndrome is hemorrhagic stroke. The effusion of blood into the cranial cavity is very dangerous; in half of the cases, patients experience paralysis and muscle paresis. Death often occurs.

The most dangerous consequence of the syndrome is hemorrhagic stroke

Clinical picture

Thrombosis causes dysfunction of the oculomotor or auditory nerves. It can develop quickly or gradually. In the second case, collaterals have time to form, that is, alternative pathways for blood outflow. At the initial stage, the disease is almost asymptomatic. If the process of blood clot formation develops quickly, the pathology will be severe. The syndrome develops within 10-20 days.

The forced position during rest and sleep is a semi-recumbent position. Sleeping at night becomes impossible without the use of sleeping pills.

Causes of the syndrome

Frequent causes of the development of the syndrome are poor lifestyle and bad habits, which ultimately lead to impaired blood circulation. Less commonly, the development of cava syndrome is provoked by malignant neoplasms:

• blood cancer;
• brain sarcoma;
• oncological processes in the pelvic organs.

Blood cancer can cause this syndrome

The development of the syndrome is often associated with the formation of multiple metastases that penetrate the vena cava. Sometimes the syndrome can occur due to cancer of the lungs, pleura, thyroid gland or as a consequence of post-radiation fibrosis.

Sometimes pathology develops as a result of prolonged catheterization. This provokes the appearance of sclerosis or thrombosis. The occurrence of superior vena cava syndrome in children is often associated with long-term catheterization of the vena cava in oncology.

Superior vena cava syndrome sometimes provokes an increased volume of circulating blood. In pregnant women, it becomes the result of venous stagnation. In the later stages, the uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm and the greater vena cava. A decrease in oxygen levels has a bad effect on a woman’s organs and fetal development slows down. In the last trimester it is provoked by prolonged lying on the back.

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, few patients pay attention to the symptoms, especially since in the early stages the disease does not have obvious clinical signs. Sometimes there is an increase in blood pressure, which is often attributed to nervous tension.

With superior vena cava syndrome, the clinical picture is complemented by characteristic signs:

• the neck becomes swollen;
• bloating of veins is observed on the face, neck, forehead;

Swelling in the neck indicates the presence of pathology

• the face becomes swollen, small capillaries under the skin burst;
• the skin of the face, hands, and neck acquires a characteristic blue tint due to a violation of the outflow of venous blood.

Any of the noticed symptoms requires urgent consultation with a doctor. Call emergency services if symptoms develop very quickly.

With the slow development of superior vena cava syndrome, a person is concerned about:

• Breathing disorders. This may be shortness of breath, even at rest, a feeling of lack of air, inability to breathe.
• Swallowing disorder. The patient cannot eat or drink.
• A cough appears, which gets worse over time. The cough itself is dry, but may be streaked with blood.
• Forgetfulness, dizziness, headaches, cramps of the lower and upper extremities.

The severity of symptoms depends on the speed of development and the number of collaterals formed.

Diagnostics

First, the patient must contact a therapist, cardiologist and neurologist for a correct diagnosis. The syndrome is diagnosed using a survey, medical history and instrumental research methods.

One of the types of diagnostics is magnetic resonance therapy

The patient may be prescribed:

• X-ray of the chest in 2 projections;
• vascular angiography;
• CT scan;
• magnetic resonance therapy.

The last two methods are the most informative. Often a consultation with an ophthalmologist, ENT specialist, and, if necessary, an oncologist is required.

Bronchoscopy, biopsy of lung tissue and lymph nodes, and thoracoscopy (examination of the pleural cavity) will help in diagnosing superior vena cava syndrome in more detail. This examination reveals the degree of obstruction of the vena cava.

Treatment

In case of secondary superior vena cava syndrome, treatment is symptomatic. It is used together with the main therapy. The purpose of auxiliary treatment is to maintain the body's internal reserves. Conservative therapy includes:

• oxygen inhalations;
• diuretics;
• cortecosteroids.

Diuretics in the treatment of this syndrome

Severe cases of superior vena cava syndrome will require surgery. The patient may be prescribed:

• thrombectomy;
• resection of the damaged section of the vena cava (a homoimplant is installed in its place);
• shunting (bypass of blood outflow);
• removal of mediastinal cysts;
• stenting of the greater vena cava.

Long-term catheterization will require balloon dilatation of the damaged area.

Prognosis for superior vena cava symptom

With secondary superior vena cava syndrome, good prognosis is impossible without successful primary therapy. Only removing the root cause will help stop the pathological process. The prognosis is unfavorable if there is an oncological factor provoking the syndrome, or if it is acute. During pregnancy, the disease provokes fetal hypoxia.

conclusions

Superior vena cava syndrome is a change caused by long-term compression of the vena cava or its obstruction. Its causes may be different, but successful treatment is possible only when the root cause is completely cured.

Acute development of the syndrome leads to the death of a person. At the first symptoms, the patient urgently needs medical attention.