Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

• Signs

• Periorbital and facial edema

• Papilledema

• Jugular venous distention

• Facial redness

• Increased retinal venous:arterial ratio

• Retinal hemorrhage

• Symptoms

• Swelling of head, face

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Headache

• Nasal stuffiness

• Visual changes

• Nausea

• Ear fullness

Notes:

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. This is how I recognized this complex of findings and knew that the major problem was a venous outflow obstruction phenomenon. Having spent time in training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, this was something I was familiar with and have worked with these patients.