The Fellow on Call: The Heme/Onc Podcast New Fellow Bootcamp Series: SVC Syndrome
Jun 27, 2024
Ryan Miller, a fourth-year radiation oncology resident at Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the critical role of radiation in managing Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome. Rupal Parikh, training in interventional radiology at the University of Pennsylvania, shares her insights on therapeutic interventions for this urgent condition. They emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in treatment, explore diagnostic strategies, and highlight the balance between immediate care and long-term management for patients.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Classic SVC Syndrome Signs
- Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome presents with facial and neck swelling, headaches, cough, and sometimes cerebral edema symptoms.
- Compression of the SVC causes hemodynamic compromise by obstructing venous drainage from the upper body and brain.
Acute vs Chronic SVC Syndrome
- Venous collateral circulation with chest vein distension develops in subacute or chronic SVC syndrome, but not in acute cases.
- Acute SVC syndrome, often due to thrombosis, presents rapidly without visible collateral veins.
Imaging and Differential Diagnosis
- Use CT venogram of the chest to evaluate venous congestion and mediastinal masses in suspected SVC syndrome.
- Remember the differential of mediastinal masses with the 5 Ts: thymoma, terrible lymphoma, testicular cancer, teratoma, thyroid malignancy.