A 45-year-old man presents with exertional dyspnea and pitting pedal edema. His neck veins are dilated. A diagnosis of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is made. What will you do next?: (A) Do total blood count and peripheral smear, (B) Do a CT chest, (C) Start cyclophosphamide, (D) Start radiotherapy
Answer is B. ANS. BThis shows an approach to a case of SVC syndrome which clearly says that first step is CT chest with contrast. This helps us to arrive at a cause for SVC syndrome and treat accordingly.Various causes of SVC syndrome are: