Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) represents a constellation of signs and symptoms caused by obstruction of blood flow through the SVC due to tumor infiltration, thrombus formation, or external compression. We present a case of a patient with severe respiratory distress and shock secondary to SVCS requiring intubation, fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and pulmonary vasodilators as temporizing measures to obtain a tissue biopsy to make a diagnosis and start treatment.
Non-asphyxiating foreign body aspiration (FBA) is an uncommon occurrence in adults, but it can lead to serious complications and sequelae. Diagnosis of FBA can be difficult as symptoms can mimic other respiratory diseases and the majority of foreign bodies are not visible on chest X-ray. We report a case of an older male who presented with respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia after aspiration of a dental crown. The patient improved after antibiotic therapy and removal of the foreign body by bronchoscopy. Our case is unusual because the diagnosis was delayed after the aspiration event because the patient was asymptomatic before presenting with pneumonia two years later. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and management of possible aspiration events to prevent life-threatening sequelae.
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