Korean J Fam Med.  2017 May;38(3):166-168. 10.4082/kjfm.2017.38.3.166.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Due to Mediastinal Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

• Jang JH
• Jeon D
• Kim YS
• Cho WH
• Yeo HJ

• KMID: 2379184
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2017.38.3.166

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome refers to a medical emergency resulting from compression of the SVC. It requires early diagnosis and treatment, and is usually caused by malignant tumors; rarely, mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis can cause SVC syndrome. Here, we present a case study of an immunocompetent 61-year-old woman who presented with acute onset SVC syndrome and was diagnosed with tuberculous lymphadenitis on thoracotomy; the symptoms resolved with anti-tuberculosis therapy. This unusual case highlights the importance of the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute onset SVC syndrome; a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment lead to complete recovery.

Keyword

Superior vena Cava Syndrome; Lymphadenitis; Tuberculosis; Thoracotomy

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Early Diagnosis
Emergencies
Female
Humans
Lymphadenitis
Middle Aged
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome*
Thoracotomy
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, Lymph Node*
Vena Cava, Superior*