Nature

The nature of obstruction is important.

• Invasion
• Compression
• Thrombosis
• Constriction

In a large percentage of patients with malignancy and SVC syndrome, the nature of obstruction of SVC was attributable to thrombosis. With increasing utility of vascular lines in the management of patients, the occurrence of SVC thrombosis is on the rise.

References:

1. Szur, et al., BJM :1273, Dec, 1956.

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