This review provides an overview of superior vena cava syndrome, highlighting that interventional therapy has widely changed the therapeutic approach in symptomatic patients.
This review provides an overview of superior vena cava syndrome, highlighting the role of imaging and interventional therapeutic methods in its management.
The superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is caused by compression, invasion, and/or thrombosis of the superior vena cava and/or the brachiocephalic veins. Benign SVCS is separated from malignant SVCS. SVCS comprises a broad clinical spectrum reaching from asymptomatic cases to rare life-threatening emergencies with upper airway obstruction and increased intracranial pressure. Symptoms are correlated to the acuity and extent of the venous obstruction and inversely correlated to the development of the venous collateral circuits. Imaging is necessary to determine the exact underlying cause and to guide further interventions. Interventional therapy has widely changed the therapeutic approach in symptomatic patients. This article provides an overview over this complex syndrome and focuses on interventional therapeutic methods and results.
Klein‐Weigel et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Superior vena cava syndrome. Interventional therapy was evaluated. This review provides an overview of superior vena cava syndrome, highlighting that interventional therapy has widely changed the therapeutic approach in symptomatic patients.