Table of Contents
What is vena cava stenosis?
Congenital stenosis of vena cava is a congenital anomaly in which the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava has an aberrant interruption or coarctation. In some cases, it can be asymptomatic, and in other cases it can lead to fluid accumulation and cardiopulmonary collapse.
What happens when the superior vena cava is blocked?
Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a group of symptoms that occur when there is pressure on the superior vena cava, or it is partially blocked and blood can’t flow back to the heart normally. This causes more pressure in the veins and face, which leads to a buildup of fluid or swelling.
Is superior vena cava life threatening?
SVCS is serious when it occurs in adults. But it can be life-threatening in children. Symptoms include trouble breathing, coughing, and swelling of the face, neck, upper body, and arms. Treatment options for SVCS caused by cancer may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, thrombolysis, and stent placement.
What is the diameter of the superior vena cava?
2.1 cm
The SVC is formed by the confluence of the right and left brachiocephalic veins. It courses along the right middle mediastinum, with the trachea and ascending aorta on its left, and drains into the right atrium. The mean length of the SVC is 7.1 cm ± 1.4, and its maximum diameter in adults is 2.1 cm ± 0.7 (2).
Is superior vena cava an artery?
The superior vena cava (SVC) is a large, valveless vein that conveys venous blood from the upper half of the body and returns it to the right atrium.
What are the signs and symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome?
The most common presenting symptoms of SVC syndrome are face/neck swelling, distended neck veins, cough, dyspnea, orthopnea, upper extremity swelling, distended chest vein collaterals, and conjunctival suffusion.
What does it feel like when vena cava is compressed?
This is due to the uterus applying pressure to the inferior vena cava. When this happens, the mom’s cardiac output drops somewhat and the blood flow to the mother’s brain is mildly decreased, leading to the feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
What are the symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome?
What is the disease process with superior vena cava syndrome?
Superior vena cava syndrome is the name given to the symptoms that occur when the blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked or compressed. These symptoms include breathing problems, lightheadedness, and swelling in the upper body.
How do you evaluate SVC syndrome?
Although SVC syndrome is a clinical diagnosis, plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) and venography are used for confirmation (1). Recommended treatments for cancer-related SVC syndrome include chemotherapy and radiation to reduce the tumour that is causing the obstruction.
Where does the superior vena cava enter the heart?
Not surprisingly, the superior vena cava enters the right atrium superiorly and carries the blood from the body above the diaphragm. The inferior vena cava enters the atrium inferiorly and carries the infradiaphragmatic venous return.
What blood passes through the superior vena cava?
Deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body enters the heart from the inferior vena cava while deoxygenated blood from the upper body is delivered to the heart via the superior vena cava. Both the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava empty blood into the right atrium.
How is the superior vena cava (SVC) diagnosed?
The superior vena cava (SVC) is the largest central systemic vein in the mediastinum. Imaging (ie, radiography, computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance [MR] venography, and conventional venography) plays an important role in identifying congenital vari- ants and pathologic conditions that affect the SVC.
Does the severity of vena cava obstruction depend on the level of obstruction?
Correlation of imaging studies with clinical findings suggests that the severity of symptoms depends on the level of obstruction (above or below the level of the azygos arch) and the development of rich collateral network [ 1 ]. In fact, CT can detect subclinical superior vena cava obstruction in patients who are relatively asymptomatic [ 2 ].
What are the characteristics of the vena cava system?
Formation of the vena cava system is characterized by the appearance of anastomoses between the left and right sides so that blood from the left side is directed to the right side ( Fig 1b ).
What is the pathophysiology of SVC compression?
SVC compression can be caused by tumor masses in the middle or anterior mediastinum, usually to the right of the midline. Cardiac output may be transiently diminished due to acute SVC obstruction, but within a few hours usually an increased venous pressure and collaterals achieve a novel steady state of blood return.