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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can SVC Occlusion Cause Shadow On Chest X-ray?

I received a call from my doctor today that my chest x-ray showed a large shadow over my aorta. They wanted a CT scan done today, but I wanted to hold off to think about it. I have SVC syndrome and my SVC is 100% occluded. Money is very tight and I assume the shadow is from the SVC occlusion and am tempted to forgo the CT because it is probably nothing. Can the SVC occlusion cause this shadow on the x-ray?
Wed, 26 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

My answer is Yes.
If there is any mass in the right side of the chest, which may cause the shadow in the chest x ray.
This mass may be responsible for your Superior Vena Caval Obstruction.

There are many causes for the mass in the chest like Malignant tumor, Benign tumors.

That is why your doctor initiated you to do CT scan of the chest.
This will help to differentiate what kind of obstruction you are suffering from either Obstruction by any mass or Thrombosis inside the superior vena cava.

This also help in providing more accurate information on the location of the obstruction and may guide attempts at biopsy by mediastinoscopy, bronchoscopy, or percutaneous fine-needle aspiration.

As you have SVC Obstruction, you need immediate investigation and evaluation for identifying the cause.
Do not delay the investigation and further management.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Can SVC Occlusion Cause Shadow On Chest X-ray?

Hello, My answer is Yes. If there is any mass in the right side of the chest, which may cause the shadow in the chest x ray. This mass may be responsible for your Superior Vena Caval Obstruction. There are many causes for the mass in the chest like Malignant tumor, Benign tumors. That is why your doctor initiated you to do CT scan of the chest. This will help to differentiate what kind of obstruction you are suffering from either Obstruction by any mass or Thrombosis inside the superior vena cava. This also help in providing more accurate information on the location of the obstruction and may guide attempts at biopsy by mediastinoscopy, bronchoscopy, or percutaneous fine-needle aspiration. As you have SVC Obstruction, you need immediate investigation and evaluation for identifying the cause. Do not delay the investigation and further management. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.