Emergency Department Diagnosis and Management of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Secondary to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Case Report and Limited Literature Review of Emergency Department Management

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome refers to the obstruction of blood through the SVC with limited case reports and literature reviews of its presentation and management. Here we discuss a 26-year-old male who presented with progressive chest pain and shortness of breath for 5-weeks. The exam showed facial and neck plethora and distension of the veins in the neck and chest wall. This case discusses SVC syndrome due to external compression by Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The diagnostic approach and the clinical management of superior vena syndrome are reviewed.