Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and etiologies of focal liver opacification (FLO) in the setting of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction.
Methods: An archival search using key words to identify patients with SVC obstruction or severe narrowing and who had computed tomographic scans with intravenous contrast was performed at our institution.
Results: Thirty-one patients were included. Focal liver opacification was identified in 9 (29%). The most common direct causes of FLO and SVC obstruction were benign.
Conclusions: Focal liver opacification caused by SVC obstruction is relatively common. Focal liver opacification is more commonly associated with benign causes of obstruction such as end-stage renal disease. Identifying FLO is important not only as an indirect sign of SVC obstruction but also must be distinguished from avidly enhancing liver masses. This study also reflects the overall recent increase in benign causes of SVC obstruction.