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Malignant superior vena cava syndrome presenting after trauma
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 May 2015
Summary:
A 41-year-old man was brought to the ED after a motor vehicle crash. On presentation, he demonstrated symptoms compatible with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, including extreme dyspnea, face and neck cyanosis and facial swelling. A chest tube was inserted and drained large amounts of sanguineous fluid. An exploratory thoracotomy revealed an extensive tumour encasing the SVC and the hilum. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma.
The most common cause of SVC syndrome is malignant disease, with bronchogenic carcinoma and lymphoma being most frequent. Review of the literature uncovered only a few anecdotal reports of traumatic SVC syndrome. There are no previous reported cases of malignant SVC syndrome presenting in association with trauma.
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- Case Reports • Observations
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- Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 1999
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