Superior vena cava syndrome risk factors

The most potent risk factor in the development of superior vena cava syndrome is intrathoracic malignancies. Other common risk factors include thrombosis (due to intravascular devices), postradiation fibrosis, and mediastinitis.

• Common risk factors in the development of superior vena cava syndrome are:
  • Lymph node metastasis
  • Non–small cell lung cancer
  • Small cell lung cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Metastatic lesions (most commonly from breast and testicular cancers)
  • Infections
  • Thyroid goiter
  • Iatrogenic intravascular devices
  • Pericardial constriction
  • Idiopathic sclerosing mediastinitis
  • Aortic aneurysm

Template:WH Template:WS