From compression to diagnosis: identification of superior vena cava syndrome using point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an urgent condition arising from restricted blood flow through the SVC, often linked to factors like malignancy, thrombosis, or infections. Typically, confirmation of the diagnosis involves computed tomography. However, many patients experience respiratory distress and cannot lie supine. Given the increasing integration of point-of-care ultrasound in emergency medicine, it is important to be familiar with findings that are suggestive of this important condition.

In this case report, we highlight a young patient presenting to the emergency department with superior vena cava syndrome symptoms, successfully diagnosed using point-of-care ultrasound.

This case highlights the utility of point-of-care ultrasound based diagnosis of SVC syndrome and upper arm deep venous thrombosis in a patient with underlying malignancy which ultimately led to early involvement of relevant speciality for initiation of treatment.