SVC obstruction

Alternative names:

superior vena cava obstruction; superior vena cava syndrome

Definition:

The narrowing or obstruction of the superior vena cava, the major vein draining the upper body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a relatively rare condition. It usually is caused by cancerous or inflammatory conditions of the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).

Other causes include lymphomas, mediastinal tumors, cancer of the lung with extension into the mediastinum, and chronic fibrosis (scarring). Causes also include inflammatory conditions such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis infection, thrombophlebitis (particularly extension of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins or the subclavian vein), aortic aneurysm, and constrictive pericarditis.