How is vena cava syndrome treated?
How is superior vena cava syndrome treated?
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Thrombolysis (breaking up blood clots).
- Stent placement.
- Medicines to ease symptoms.
What is vena cava obstruction?
Superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) can happen when the superior vena cava (SVC) is blocked or compressed by a tumour. The SVC is a large vein that carries blood from the upper body to the heart. Tumours can press on the SVC or cause a blood clot (thrombus), reducing the flow of blood.
What is the most common cause of IVC obstruction?
The obstruction of the IVC is mostly caused by a primary thrombotic event[1], either congenital or acquired. Congenital thrombosis of the IVC is often asymptomatic which is caused by well-developed collaterals.
Can you live without a superior vena cava?
Complete absence of both SVC is very rare and usually accompanied by other congenital anomalies of the heart, including cardiac conduction system, or thoracic duct system.
Can you feel inferior vena cava?
Symptoms of late pregnancy inferior vena cava syndrome consist of intense pain in the right hand side, muscle twitching, hypotension, and fluid retention….
| Inferior vena cava syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Cardiology |
| Frequency | 5-10 out of 100,000 (From 1 in 10,000-20,000) |
What organ system is the inferior vena cava in?
cardiovascular system
function in cardiovascular system The inferior vena cava is a large, valveless, venous trunk that receives blood from the legs, the back, and the walls and contents of the abdomen and pelvis.
Why is the inferior vena cava important?
The inferior vena cava is ultimately responsible for the transport of almost all venous blood (deoxygenated) from the abdomen and lower extremities back to the right side of the heart for oxygenation.
What areas of the body does the inferior vena cava drain?
The inferior vena cava (also known as IVC or the posterior vena cava) is a large vein that carries blood from the torso and lower body to the right side of the heart. From there the blood is pumped to the lungs to get oxygen before going to the left side of the heart to be pumped back out to the body.
What causes obstruction of the superior vena cava?
SVC obstruction is a rare condition. It is most often caused by cancer or a tumor in the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs). Other types of cancer that can lead to this condition include: Breast cancer.
What is the main function of inferior vena cava?
The inferior vena cava carries blood from the legs, feet, and organs in the abdomen and pelvis. The vena cava is the largest vein in the body.
What feeds the inferior vena cava?
Note that some professors will want you to know at which vertebral level the IVC gets its direct tributaries, so they are as follows: The direct tributaries are the inferior phrenic veins (T8), right suprarenal (L1), renal (L1), right testicular (gonadal) (L2), lumbar (L1-L5), common iliac (L5) and hepatic (T8).
What happens if superior vena cava is blocked?
This vein is in the middle of the chest and is surrounded by lymph nodes. Superior vena cava syndrome is the name given to the symptoms that occur when the blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked or compressed. These symptoms include breathing problems, lightheadedness, and swelling in the upper body.
What is the prognosis of inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS)?
Prognosis of inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS) depends on the underlying patient condition, including the hemodynamic status of the patient, the severity of compression or vein obstruction, the grading of the malignancy, and previous comorbidities.
What is the function of the inferior vena cava and SVC?
The inferior vena cava (IVC) returns blood to the heart, along with superior vena cava (SVC). Obstruction or compression to the IVC reduces the venous return to the heart, causing an imbalance in the hemodynamic equilibrium.
What causes inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction?
Causes of inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction can be intrinsic or extrinsic. It most commonly occurs as a result of extension of iliac vein thrombosis and involves predominantly the infrarenal segment.
What is the differential diagnosis of inferior vena cava syndrome?
Differential Diagnosis Inferior vena cava syndrome (IVCS) is characterized by tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea, hypoxemia, and shortness of breath. The differential diagnosis of IVCS is broad, mainly because it is rarely ever diagnosed as a primary disease process.