Mediastinal mass

The mediastinal mass is one of the most challenging entities for anesthesiologists as induction of general anesthesia can precipitate cardiopulmonary collapse that is difficult to reverse. Most evidence and case reports describe anesthetic management of the mediastinal mass in the pediatric population, but adults are presenting with these masses - often of a different etiology - more frequently. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac, vascular and pulmonary compression associated with these masses is integral to forming the safest possible anesthetic plan.

Mediastinal mass

Anesthetic relevance	High
Anesthetic management	Classic teaching is to maintain spontaneous ventilation under general anesthesia however this is not always possible. Goal is to minimize compression of airways and/or heart and great vessels.
Specialty	Thoracic
Signs and symptoms	Dyspnea, tripod position, respiratory failure, chest pain
Diagnosis	CT
Treatment
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