Superior vena cava syndrome results from the blockage of blood flow through the superior vena cava. It can be a medical emergency if it causes laryngeal or cerebral edema. Hence, prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance.

A 65-year-old male patient came with complaints of progressive dyspnea and cough since 3 weeks. A contrast- enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan was done for the patient, which showed thrombus in the superior vena cava with a rich network of collaterals. The three-dimensional reconstruction was also done to demonstrate the collaterals.

The MDCT provides an excellent tool to diagnose and assess the cause of superior vena cava obstruction.

Backer PH, VVP Seetha, Shukla AK, Nagesh R. Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. J Med Sci 2016;2(3):53-55.