In this Article

• Introduction
• What causes superior vena cava syndrome?
• What are the symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome?
• How is superior vena cava syndrome diagnosed?
• How is superior vena cava syndrome treated?
• What is the prognosis for superior vena cava syndrome?
• Superior Vena Cava Syndrome At A Glance
• Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Glossary
• Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Index

What is the prognosis for superior vena cava syndrome?

The outcome and prognosis is dependent upon the underlying cause of the superior vena cava syndrome.

Superior vena cava syndrome At A Glance

• Superior vena cava syndrome is most often caused by compression of the vein (the superior vena cava, that returns blood from the upper body back to the right atrium of the heart) by tumor.
  
  
• Symptoms include swelling of the face and arms associated with shortness of breath.
  
  
• Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and consists of various measures aimed at decreasing the severity of the obstruction.

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