Bilateral breast swelling secondary to superior vena cava obstruction and subclavian vein thrombosis

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome is defined by a set of signs and symptoms secondary to superior vena cava obstruction caused principally by malignant diseases. The present report describes the case of an unusual clinical manifestation of this syndrome with bilateral breast swelling, and emphasizes the relevance of knowledge on mammographic signs of systemic diseases.

Superior vena cava syndrome as unilateral right breast enlargement

“…1 In SVC syndrome, breast edema can occur a few days, weeks or months prior to presentation. 1,3,4,5 Most often, breast edema is bilateral, occurring in both breasts when it presents. 3 Breast edema can be due to benign and malignant causes including nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, leukemia, lymphatic obstruction, granulomatous disease, inflammatory breast cancer, post-radiation treatment, mastitis, fat necrosis, and trauma.…”

“…3 Bilateral breast swelling as an unusual presentation secondary to SVC and left subclavian vein obstruction from left upper lobe lung cancer has been described as well. 4 One case with bilateral breast swelling reported an indwelling right subclavian vein port and presented years after its removal. 5 Another case reported unilateral right breast edema secondary to right subclavian vein compression from right lung cancer.…”