Fact-sheet: Superior vena cava thrombosis


Updated on 10/07/2017 at 7:55 AM

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Definition

Superior vena cava thrombosis of tumoral or thrombotic origin

Clinical features

Superior vena cava syndrome (see dedicated section)

CT

Dilatation of the superior vena cava with absent endoluminal enhancement due to thrombus. Hot Spot Sign: recruitment of venous collaterals to ensure venous return to the right heart chambers, including systemic-portal anastomotic pathways. On CT: intense, early hepatic enhancement in areas of increased vascular flow, producing a hot spot sign. Enhancement occurs in the anterior portion of segments III and/or IV. Collateral pathways develop: azygos-hemiazygos system, internal mammary vein, lateral thoracic and superficial thoracoabdominal veins, and the perivertebral venous plexus.