Malignant superior vena cava syndrome presenting after trauma

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

E-ISSN: 1481-8035|1|2|112-114

ISSN: 1481-8035

Source: Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol.1, Iss.2, 1999-07, pp. : 112-114

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Abstract

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.