Unilateral superior vena cava syndrome: An uncommon complication of a commonly used procedure

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome constellates symptoms of plethora and facial and upper thoracic swelling with distension of neck veins, and the consequences of this condition range from mild discomfort to upper airway obstruction. The aetiology has a strong linkage with malignancy, and is always to be excluded. SVC syndrome is commonly a bilateral presentation, and unilateral SVC syndrome is rare, with very few non-malignant causes reported. Here, we demonstrate a unilateral occurrence with an uncommon cause.