Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: An Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Colon Carcinoma Metastasis

Abstract

Introduction Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava due to vascular compression by a mass or intrinsic obstruction. The authors describe SVC syndrome caused by an isolated metastatic mediastinal mass from a resected primary colon carcinoma. Case Report An 81-year-old woman was referred to the hospital with swelling of the neck and upper left limb, dysphonia and dysphagia, associated with an involuntary weight loss of 16 kg. Mediastinal metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma was found, causing the SVC syndrome. The mass was unresectable and the patient was referred to palliative radiotherapy. Discussion Only 12 cases of mediastinal metastasis from colorectal cancer have been reported in the English literature. Conclusion As a rare manifestation of colorectal cancer, the presented case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of rare metastases at the time of diagnosis. LEARNING POINTS Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome can result from vascular compression by a mass. Although mediastinal lymph node metastasis is rare in colorectal cancer, physicians should be aware of less common locations. Patients should have a close follow-up in order to avoid the growth of unresectable metastases, since surgery, when possible, can lead to a better prognosis.

Superior vena cava and tricuspid valve tumoral thrombosis in a 54‐year‐old female with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma: A rare case report

“…20 CRC metastases to the right side of the heart with invasion of the SVC are very rare. 21 Accurate diagnosis of metastasis is made by biopsy and pathological confirmation. In some cases, sampling of the metastases is not performed.…”

“…Tumoral involvement of SVC is most commonly caused by lung cancer and lymphomas 20 . CRC metastases to the right side of the heart with invasion of the SVC are very rare 21 …”