Superior vena cava syndrome presenting as persistent erythematous oedema of the face

The superior vena cava syndrome occurs when extrinsic compression or intraluminal occlusion impedes blood flow through this vessel. Detecting the characteristic cutaneous features can lead to an early diagnosis of this condition. We report a 73-year-old patient with a 4-year-history of erythematous oedema of the face. The underlying cause was a large retrosternal goitre obstructing the superior vena cava. Subtotal thyroidectomy led to dramatic improvement of all dermatologic symptoms.