A 55-year-old man with a central lung mass develops facial swelling, distended neck veins, and dilated veins over the chest wall. Chest X-ray shows a widened superior mediastinum. Which vessel is most likely obstructed?
- A Azygos vein
- B Pulmonary artery
- C Superior vena cava ✓
- D Left brachiocephalic vein
Correct answer: C. Superior vena cava
Explanation
Superior vena cava obstruction classically presents with facial oedema, neck vein engorgement, and dilated collateral veins over the chest wall. A central lung mass is the most common malignant cause. Azygos obstruction does not cause these findings. Left brachiocephalic obstruction would spare the right-sided veins.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.