Computed tomography (CT) provides a multitude of information for the anesthesiologist tasked with providing safe care to patients with mediastinal masses and pericardial effusions. CT may suggest the extent of disease providing clues as to how it interplays with the cardiopulmonary systems during induction of anesthesia. An 11-yr-old with facial swelling and lymphadenopathy provides an excellent example of these circumstances.

Figure A identifies a mediastinal mass with significant aortic encasement and trachea-bronchial compression. Aortic compression drastically increases afterload and combined with decreased preload from a pericardial effusion causes decrements in cardiac output. The tracheal and bronchial narrowing is of significant concern as induction of anesthesia results in relaxation of extrinsic muscle compressing both the airway and intrapulmonary vasculature.

Figure B identifies a mediastinal mass with superior vena cava (SVC) compression, pericardial effusion, and right atrial enlargement. Pericardial effusion decreases right ventricular distensibility, right and left systolic ventricular function, and cardiac output.¹  Increase in pulmonary vascular resistance from vascular compression by extrinsic muscles or directly via hypoventilation and hypercarbia results in increased right ventricular afterload, which decreases left ventricular preload. SVC compression leads to engorgement of the head and neck, predisposes the patient to thrombosis, and reduces cardiac preload. Patients with SVC compression should have vascular access placed in the lower extremities to ensure delivery of medications and fluids.²  Right atrial enlargement suggests increased right ventricular pressure and should alert the anesthesiologist to the level of cardiac compensatory exhaustion (fig. B).

As such, before induction, anesthesiologists should review a recent CT for all patients with mediastinal masses.³  CT findings may indicate the need for rescue cardiopulmonary bypass or rigid bronchoscopy for control of hemodynamic or airway collapse. Avoidance of depressant anesthetics and providing incrementally titrated sedation might offer a safer approach. Use of local anesthetic may be sufficient for percutaneous drainage of the pericardial effusion.

The authors declare no competing interests.