Síndrome de vena cava superior en pediatría. Una revisión de la literatura

Oncological emergencies are a challenge for the clinician. The superior vena cava syndrome is a hemato-oncological emergency in pediatrics; it is defined as an intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction of the superior vena cava. The most frequent clinical manifestations in children are the appearance of collateral circulation, edema in the body and facial cyanosis. The diagnosis is clinical and should been done as little invasively as possible and without delay to start its management as soon as possible. Lymphomas, prolonged use of a central venous catheter, and cardiovascular surgery in congenital heart disease are the main etiologies. In some cases, empirical treatment may be necessary to save the patient's life, through the use of steroids and radiotherapy. The aim of this article is to review and update the most important aspects of the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatmentof the superior vena cava syndrome in pediatrics.