From compression to diagnosis: identification of superior vena cava
syndrome using point‐of‐care ultrasound in the emergency department

From compression to diagnosis: identification of superior vena cava
syndrome using point‐of‐care ultrasound in the emergency department

Point-of-care ultrasound, Mediastinal mass, Superior vena cava syndrome, Lymphoma, Deep venous thrombosis

Background Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an urgent condition arising from restricted blood flow

through the SVC, often linked to factors like malignancy, thrombosis, or infections. Typically, confirmation of the diag-
nosis involves computed tomography. However, many patients experience respiratory distress and cannot lie supine.

Given the increasing integration of point-of-care ultrasound in emergency medicine, it is important to be familiar
with findings that are suggestive of this important condition.

Case report In this case report, we highlight a young patient presenting to the emergency department with supe-
rior vena cava syndrome symptoms, successfully diagnosed using point-of-care ultrasound.

Conclusion This case highlights the utility of point-of-care ultrasound based diagnosis of SVC syndrome and upper
arm deep venous thrombosis in a patient with underlying malignancy which ultimately led to early involvement
of relevant speciality for initiation of treatment.
Keywords Point-of-care ultrasound, Mediastinal mass, Superior vena cava syndrome, Lymphoma, Deep venous
thrombosis

Noman Ali1*, Alan Tan1 and Jordan Chenkin1

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00597-2

2024

Peri Irawan

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