Anesth Pain Med.  2009 Jul;4(3):246-249.

Tracheal obstruction and compromised ventilation due to mechanical compression by mediastinal mass during anesthetic induction :A case report

• Yu SB
• Kim DS
• Lim JH
• Ryu SJ

Abstract

At the confluence of the superior, anterior, and middle mediastinum are the middle portion of the superior vena cava, the tracheal bifurcation, the main pulmonary artery, the aortic arch, and parts of the cephalad surface of the heart.Tumors in this region can cause compression and obstruction of tracheobronchial tree in the region of tracheal carina even though there is no sign and symptom related to respiratory failure in preinduction period.We experienced airway (tracheal) obstruction due to mechanical compression by mediastinal mass during anesthetic induction.She is 24-year old who had no symptom of respiratory distress in preinduction period.

Keyword

airway obstruction; anesthesia; mediastinal mass

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Anesthesia
Aorta, Thoracic
Mediastinum
Pulmonary Artery
Respiratory Insufficiency
Vena Cava, Superior
Ventilation