Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2020 Dec 28;13(24):2896-2910. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2020.08.038.

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome comprises a constellation of clinical signs and symptoms caused by obstruction of blood flow through the SVC. The management of patients with life-threatening SVC syndrome is evolving from radiation therapy to endovascular therapy as the first-line treatment. There is a paucity of data and societal guidelines with regard to the management of SVC syndrome. This paper aims to update the practicing interventionalists with the contemporary and the evolving therapeutic approach to SVC syndrome. In addition, the review will focus on endovascular techniques, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, angioplasty, and stenting, and their associated complications.

Keywords: catheter-directed thrombolysis; endovascular therapy; superior vena cava obstruction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endovascular Procedures
  • Humans
  • Stents
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vena Cava, Superior