Introduction
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) refers to signs and symptoms resulting from compression, obstruction or thrombosis of the superior vena cava. The term Superior Mediastinal Syndrome (SMS) is used when tracheal compression also occurs, but the terms are interchangeably used due to coexistence of the two entities. It is known to occur with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, and T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma(T-ALL) (1). SVCS is a known oncological emergency and can be life-threatening if there is a delay in the initiation of appropriate management. Symptoms include cough, dyspnea, dysphagia, and swelling or discoloration of the neck, face, and upper extremities. Distension of the superficial veins in the chest wall can cause the development of collateral neck veins (2). SVCS is a clinical diagnosis, although plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) of the chest ,and venography may be used for confirmation (3). There is not much published literature highlighting the clinical course and outcomes of T-ALL/T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (T-LBL) patients who present with SVCS. We describe here the course, critical care needs, and outcomes of this cohort managed at our center.