Das Vena-cava-superior-Syndrom

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome (VCSS) develops because of a progressive reduction of venous return from the head, neck and the upper extremities. The presenting sign of this relatively rare condition is often a rapidly developing, often massive facial edema. As a consequence, such the patients are often seen initially by a dermatologist. Other clinical characteristics may include cyanotic facial erythema, dilatation of the neck veins, and a prominent venous pattern n the anterior chest. Today, primary lung cancers and other mediastinal tumours represent the most common cause of VCSS, which may take a slowly progressive or a more fulminant course. In these cases, the disease develops rapidly and becomes life-threatening, requiring intensive medial diagnosis and care. We describe three patients with superior vena cava syndrome due to a) bronchogenic carcinoma, b) bihilar sarcoidosis and c) metastasizing malignant melanoma. Since recognition of VCSS broadens the diagnostic spectrum of the dermatologist, an overview on its diagnostic and therapeutic implications is given based on our cases and the literature.

A Rare Presentation of a Malignant Melanoma Presenting as a Large Pulmonary Mass Causing Superior Vena Cava Obstruction

“…One was treated with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib [15], another with chemotherapy and radiotherapy [16], while the third received endovascular stenting to the SVC [14]. Three other non-English reports of mediastinal melanoma causing SVC obstruction were also noted in our literature search, [17][18][19], with one report presenting a lesion measuring 7 cm [19].…”

Transcutaneous B-mode ultrasound (TUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) pattern of mediastinal tumors: a pictorial essay

“…6 ) ( 1 , 3 ) , non-Hodgkin lymphoma ( Fig. 7 ) ( 1 , 3 ) , and primary bronchial carcinoma, which may be manifested with superior vena cava syndrome ( 15 ) ( Fig. 8 ), by a poststenotic atelectasis as an “acoustic window” ( 16 ) ( Fig.…”