Authors :
Dr. Boudiaf Rym; Dr. Zemmour Douaa; Ait Mouheb Tahar
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2a3uny28
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr547
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical condition resulting from the obstruction of venous drainage from
the head, neck, and upper limbs into the right atrium. It was first described by William Hunter in 1757. It is a diagnostic and
therapeutic emergency, particularly when signs of acute compression or life-threatening symptoms appear. Although
neoplastic causes—especially bronchopulmonary cancers and lymphomas—are the most common, non-tumor thrombotic
causes may also be involved, particularly in patients with prothrombotic risk factors.
Treatment depends on the identified cause and ranges from corticosteroids, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy to
endovascular stent placement. Some patients can be managed conservatively with anticoagulation alone when thrombosis is
predominant. We report here the case of a patient who developed SVCS of thrombotic origin, diagnosed via imaging, with a
favorable outcome under anticoagulant therapy without invasive intervention.
References :
- Zomer, W., et al. (2020). Superior vena cava syndrome: An overview. NCBI Bookshelf. Lien : NCBI Bookshelf.
- Wang, C., et al. (2014). Superior vena cava syndrome and its management. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 3(3), 951-959. DOI: 10.3390/jcm3030951 Lien : PubMed .
- Morris, D. S., & Dillard, S. R. (2019). Management of superior vena cava syndrome: a review of diagnosis, treatment, and anticoagulation strategies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(12), 2042. DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122042 .
- Harris, S. S., et al. (2018). The role of anticoagulation in the management of superior vena cava syndrome. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, 24(7), 1072-1076. DOI: 10.1177/1076029617751741 .
- Chong, B. H., & Lee, H. (1999). Superior vena cava syndrome: A review of the current management and the role of anticoagulation. Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis, 10(7), 435-440. DOI: 10.1097/00001721-199910000-00003 Lien : PubMed.
- https://springerplus.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40064-016-1900-7 .
- https://www.em-consulte.com/article/1633672/article/profil-etiologique-des-thromboses-de-la-veine-cave .
- https://www.em-consulte.com/article/1633672/article/profil-etiologique-des-thromboses-de-la-veine-cave .
- https://www.em-consulte.com/article/1640956/profil-etiologique-du-syndrome-cave-superieur�-a-p .
- www.em-consulte.com .
- https://www.em-consulte.com/article/1689445/syndrome-cave-superieur.
Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical condition resulting from the obstruction of venous drainage from
the head, neck, and upper limbs into the right atrium. It was first described by William Hunter in 1757. It is a diagnostic and
therapeutic emergency, particularly when signs of acute compression or life-threatening symptoms appear. Although
neoplastic causes—especially bronchopulmonary cancers and lymphomas—are the most common, non-tumor thrombotic
causes may also be involved, particularly in patients with prothrombotic risk factors.
Treatment depends on the identified cause and ranges from corticosteroids, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy to
endovascular stent placement. Some patients can be managed conservatively with anticoagulation alone when thrombosis is
predominant. We report here the case of a patient who developed SVCS of thrombotic origin, diagnosed via imaging, with a
favorable outcome under anticoagulant therapy without invasive intervention.
