Superior Vena Cava Syndrome as Sequelae of Novel Hodgkin Lymphoma

The prevalence of superior vena cava syndrome has been estimated to be around 15,000 people in the United States each year, with an incidence of 1 in 650 to 1 in 3100 patients.1 It was first described by William Hunter in 1757 as a complication of a saccular aortic aneurysm.2 Superior vena cava obstruction often impairs blood flow through the superior vena cava, resulting in a collection of signs and symptoms that together constitute superior vena cava syndrome. Around 50 years ago, infectious causes, especially syphilitic aortic aneurysm and tuberculosis, accounted for the majority of cases of superior vena cava syndrome.
Source: The American Journal of Medicine - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Clinical Communication to the Editor Source Type: research