ABSTRACT
First described by William Hunter in 175,1 superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an uncommon but serious condition that requires immediate intervention. The typical symptoms of SVC obstruction are dyspnea, cough, and (less commonly) pain, syncope, dysphagia, and hemoptysis. The most important physical findings are the increased collateral veins covering the anterior chest wall and the dilated neck veins, with edema of the face, both arms, and chest. The chest x-ray film usually shows widening of the superior mediastinum. SVC syndrome rarely is life threatening; however, it is often associated with distressing complications and cognitive dysfunction due to cerebral venous hypertension.2
