Korean J Anesthesiol.  1995 Sep;29(3):433-437. 10.4097/kjae.1995.29.3.433.

Cardiac Arrest on Induction of Anesthesia of a Child with Posterior Mediastinal Mass

• Kim DH
• Gwak MS
• Kim SD

• KMID: 2237855
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1995.29.3.433

Abstract

Because of their location, mediastinal masses often involve vital structures, and can give rise to life-threatening complications during aresthesia. We present a case in which left main bronchial obstruction, compression of right puhronary artery, and probable myocardial involvement caused cardiac arrest on induction of general anesthesia. The patient was a 4-year-old, 14-kg boy complaining with a dry cough and intermittent fever for two months. His chest roentgenogram and computerized tomography showed that a large posterior mediastinal mass compresses the left main bronchus and right main pulmonary artery. Preoperative examination revealed a thin boy with intermittent tachypnea and absence of breath sounds in left anterior chest, but his arterial blood gas analysis was normal. In spite of a well-controlled airway and good ventilation, we were unable to oxygenate the child, and cardiac arrest was followed. All resuscitative measures including external cardiac massage, intravenous and endotracheal epinephrine, bicarbonate, and calcium gluconate were ineffective until his chest was opened to relieve compression of pulmonary artery and heart. This case demonstrates that unexpected cyanosis and cardiac arrest in presence of mediastinal mass may well due to cardiovascular compression especially with compression of pulmonary artery.

Keyword

Mediastinal mass; Pediatric anesthesia; Cardiac arrest

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia*
Anesthesia, General
Arteries
Blood Gas Analysis
Bronchi
Calcium Gluconate
Child*
Child, Preschool
Cough
Cyanosis
Epinephrine
Fever
Heart
Heart Arrest*
Heart Massage
Humans
Male
Oxygen
Pulmonary Artery
Tachypnea
Thorax
Ventilation
Calcium Gluconate
Epinephrine
Oxygen