Superior vena cava obstruction and mediastinal mass detected by point-of-care ultrasonography

Abstract

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) often relates to malignant causes such as lung tumors, metastatic cancer, or lymphomas. While the diagnosis relies nowadays on the use of contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography, ultrasonography may have an important value as a first-line imaging technique, particularly when used in point-of-care office-based settings. Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old male presenting with SVCS in whom ultrasound contributed to diagnosis.

Keywords: Doppler; point-of-care; superior vena cava syndrome; ultrasonography.