Benign superior vena cava syndrome due to suppurative mediastinal lymphadenitis: Anterior mediastinoscopic management

The benign superior vena cava syndrome is an uncommon medical emergency. We describe a case of the superior vena cava syndrome caused by suppurative m ediastinal lymphadenitis. The organisms isolated from various cultures mere group C beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Fusobacterium species, Corynebacteri um species, Eikenella corrodens, and Streptococcus milleri. These anaerobic bacteria are part of the normal flora of the upper respiratory tract and t he oral cavity. Anterior mediastinoscopy through the right parasternal appr oach mas used to drain the anterior mediastinal abscess and to establish th e etiologic factor.