DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2021.v07i10.009

Pages: 556-559

Introduction: Superior vena cava syndrome (SCS) results from obstruction of the superior vena cava and/or its brachiocephalic collaterals by extrinsic compression and/or by tumor or cruoric thrombosis. The aim of this work is to draw up the clinical, radiological and therapeutic profile of SCV linked to cancers whatever their histological types. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study carried out at the Military Hospital Mohamed V -Rabat-, over a period of seven years, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017. We included all the patients with histologically confirmed cancers, complicated by SCS. Results: 16 men and 3 women with cancer presented with SCS during the study period. Their average age was 53 years old. The SCS was indicative of neoplastic pathology in 63% of cases. The most common etiology was lung cancer (58%). The majority of patients received symptomatic treatment (oxygen therapy and corticosteroid therapy). Anticoagulant treatment at curative doses was prescribed in seven patients with thrombosis of the upper case vein and/or its collaterals. None of our patients received a stent or thrombolysis in the event of thrombus. Etiological treatment combined chemotherapy (74%) and/or mediostinopulmonary decompressive radiotherapy (37%). The decrease in SCS was noted in 16 patients (84%). Conclusion: It is usually a sign of advanced neoplastic disease. Its management, diagnostic and therapeutic, must be as fast as possible and adapted to the cause of the SCS, to the stage and to the histological type of cancer, in order to improve the quality of life of these patients whose prognosis is generally poor.