Superior vena cava syndrome associated with gynecologic malignancy

Superior vena cava syndrome is an infrequently noted complication associated with gynecologic malignancy. Three cases illustrate modern diagnostic and management methods. Patients developed superior vena cava syndrome secondary to mediastinal metastatic endometrial carcinoma, uterine leiomyosarcoma, and secondary to thrombosis induced by a subclavian hyperalimentation catheter. Awareness of this condition on oncology units and by physicians using central venous catheters is important to afford the prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of this life-threatening condition.