What is a potential fatal complication of untreated SVC syndrome?

What is a potential fatal complication of untreated SVC syndrome?

• A. Cerebral edema +/- venous thromboembolism
• B. Acute pancreatitis
• C. Myasthenia gravis
• D. Liver failure

Answer: (A)

Obstruction of the superior vena cava blocks drainage from the head, neck, and upper extremities, leading to high venous pressure in cerebral veins. This can cause cerebral edema and raised intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening if untreated. The stagnant blood flow also increases the risk of venous thrombosis, with potential progression to a fatal venous thromboembolism such as a pulmonary embolism. The other options don’t fit because pancreatitis, myasthenia gravis, or liver failure are not direct complications of impaired venous return from the upper body and brain.

Obstruction of the superior vena cava blocks drainage from the head, neck, and upper extremities, leading to high venous pressure in cerebral veins. This can cause cerebral edema and raised intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening if untreated. The stagnant blood flow also increases the risk of venous thrombosis, with potential progression to a fatal venous thromboembolism such as a pulmonary embolism.

The other options don’t fit because pancreatitis, myasthenia gravis, or liver failure are not direct complications of impaired venous return from the upper body and brain.