SVC obstruction
Alternate Names : Superior vena cava obstruction, Superior vena cava syndrome
Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms occur when something blocks the blood flowing back to the heart. They may begin suddenly or gradually, and may worsen when bending over or lying down. - Decreased alertness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Headache
- Vision changes
- Neck swelling, facial swelling, or arm swelling
- Reddish face or cheeks
- Reddish palms
- Reddish mucous membranes (inside the nose, mouth, and other places)
- Redness changing to blueness later
- Sensation of head or ear "fullness"
- Swelling around the eye socket
Diagnosis & Tests
An examination may show enlarged veins of the face, neck, and upper chest. Blood pressure is often high in the arms and low in the legs. A bronchoscopy may be performed if lung cancer is suspected. Obstruction of the SVC may show on: This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
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