Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Clinical Presentation and a Different Course of Management

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) can be associated with benign as well as malignant causes, NSCLC being the most common malignant cause and is rarely associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Symptoms may range from dyspnea to respiratory failure requiring urgent intervention. Endovascular stenting, radiotherapy, and treatment of underlying cancer are required to relieve symptoms. Balloon dilatation of SVC is usually done for SVC secondary to benign disease. We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the lung presenting with SVCS, which responded well to SVC dilatation and chemotherapy.