Uperior vena cava syndrome (svcs) was first described in l757 in a patient with a syphilitic

Radionuclide venography. 

Radionuclide venogra-

phy can also be used to diagnose SVCS. This test is less

invasive than contrast venography but is also less specif-

ic in defining patency and flow. Radionuclide venogra-

phy may be of value in long-term follow-up studies.

Computed tomography scanning. 

Computed

tomography (CT) scanning provides an effective, non-

invasive evaluation of the superior vena cava and its

collateral circulation. CT scanning provides anatomic

details of the mediastinal and thoracic organs, allows

identification of the cause and extent of the obstruc-

tion, documents collateral circulation, provides guid-

ance for percutaneous biopsies, and guides the formu-

lation for radiotherapy.

2 – 6