Superior Vena Cava Obstruction Flashcards
1
Q
what cancer is superior vena cava obstruction most commonly associated with?
A
lung cancer - specifically small cell lung cancer
2
Q
what are the features of superior vena cava obstruction?
A
- dyspnoea
- swelling of the face, neck and arms
- headache - often worse in the mornings
- visual disturbance
- pulseless jugular venous distension
worsened on bending forward
3
Q
what are the causes of superior vena cava obstruction?
A
- malignancy
- aortic aneurysm
- mediastinal fibrosis
- goitre
- SVC thrombosis
4
Q
what investigation is done in suspected superior vena cava obstruction?
A
urgent CT chest
5
Q
what is the inital treatment of superior vena cava obstruction?
A
- sitting the patient up
- oxygen
- stat dose of dexamethasone (to reduce swelling)
6
Q
what is the definitive management options for superior vena cava obstruction?
A
- SVC stenting
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
