title: Axillary vein thrombosis simulating superior vena cava syndrome.
abstract: We have described two cases of axillary vein thrombosis originally diagnosed as superior vena cava syndrome and the patient referred for immediate radiotherapy. In each case, additional history revealed vital information discounting the original diagnosis. The possibility of an abnormal chest x-ray film unrelated to symptoms and signs must be considered. Definitive diagnostic procedures are imperative and tissue diagnosis may be required before therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001367:Axillary Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010690:Phlebography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013577:Syndrome; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging