Definition of Vena cavaVena cava definition - medical term The superior vena cava is the large vein
which returns blood to the heart from the head, neck and both upper
limbs. The inferior vena cava returns blood to the heart from the
lower part of the body.
The return of blood via the vena cava can be compromised and cause
disease. For example, in the superior vena cava syndrome, the
symptoms that result from
compression of the large vein that carries blood down to the heart.
The superior vena cava is located
in the middle of the chest and is surrounded by rigid structures and
lymph nodes. The structure bordering the superior vena cava include
the trachea, aorta, thymus, right bronchus of the lung and pulmonary
artery.
Compression of the superior vena cava by disease of any of the
structures or lymph nodes surrounding the superior vena cava can
cause the superior vena cava syndrome.
The superior vena cava syndrome is characterized by swelling of the
face, neck and/or arms with visible widening (dilation) of the veins
of the neck. Patients often have a persistent cough and shortness of
breath. Others symptoms can be present including hoarseness,
swelling around the eyes, fatigue, chest pain, headaches, and
dizziness.
The causes of the superior vena cava syndrome include cancer
(malignancies) and non-cancer (benign) conditions. The common forms
of cancer that can cause the superior vena cava syndrome are lung
cancer, lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), and cancer that has
spread (metastasis) to the chest, more commonly breast and testicular
cancer. Non-cancer causes of the superior vena cava syndrome include
infections (such as tuberculosis, fungus, and syphilis), benign
tumors (such as teratomas, thymoma, dermoid cyst), aortic aneurysm,
pericarditis, sarcoidosis, irradiation treatment to the chest, air in
the chest (pneumothorax), and complication of central line catheters
and congenital heart surgery.
Diagnosis of superior vena cava syndrome is supported by identifying
a cause for the superior vena cava syndrome, typically requiring X-
ray imaging or CAT or MRI scanning.
Treatment of superior vena cava syndrome is directed toward
the exact underlying cause. Therefore, treatment might include
radiation treatment, antibiotics, chemotherapy, clot-busting
(thrombolytic) drugs, blood thinners (anticoagulation), and balloon
angioplasty, and even surgery.
The outlook for patients with the superior vena cava syndrome clearly
depends on the underlying cause of the syndrome.
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