Anesthetic management of superior vena cava syndrome due to anterior mediastinal mass

Abstract

Anesthetic management of superior vena cava syndrome carries a possible risk of life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular collapse and complete airway obstruction during anesthesia. Superior vena cava syndrome results from the enlargement of a mediastinal mass and consequent compression of mediastinal structures resulting in impaired blood flow from superior vena cava to the right atrium and venous congestion of face and upper extremity. We report the successful anesthetic management of a 42-year-old man with superior vena cava syndrome posted for cervical lymph node biopsy.

Performance and safety of diagnostic procedures in superior vena cava syndrome

“…Impaired venous return may also cause vascular congestion of the airway leading to an increased bleeding risk [ 9 – 11 ]. Impaired venous return may be further decreased in the supine position [ 12 ] with a potential for haemodynamic consequences, especially in the context of the sedations administered [ 10 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Vena Cava Superior Syndrome in Children With Mediastinal Tumors: Single Center Experience

“…In the case of a delayed diagnosis, treatment should not be delayed. The anesthesia proceedings of the patients with vena cava superior syndrome carry high mortality and morbidity [10]. In none of the patients included in the study was complication detected during the diagnostic proceedings.…”

Acute Hemodynamic Compromise Following Superior Vena Cava Stent Placement: a Case Report

“…Acute hemopericardium can present as sudden hemodynamic compromise. This presents a daunting challenge to the anesthesiologist [14]. Availability of transthoracic POCUS or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at this time can result in the immediate diagnosis of the sudden hemodynamic compromise and timely interpretation and intervention can be lifesaving.…”