Cardiovascular · UKMLA & AKT

Superior vena cava obstruction

A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise superior vena cava obstruction — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.

Key high-yield points

  • Superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) occurs when flow through the SVC is partially or completely blocked, causing venous hypertension in the head, neck, and upper limbs. Malignancy is the most common cause; iatrogenic causes (central lines, pacemakers) are increasingly recognised.

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