28 December 2018
: Case report
Dyspnea in Pregnancy: A Case Report of a Third Trimester Mediastinal Mass in Pregnancy
Challenging differential diagnosis, Rare coexistence of disease or pathology
Callie Fox Reeder1ABEF*, Ashley A. Hambright2AEF, Kimberly Bailey Fortner3AEFDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.910725
Am J Case Rep 2018; 19:1536-1540
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dyspnea in pregnancy is common and attributable to a variety of etiologies including normal physiology. The obstetric provider is challenged with distinguishing between physiologic versus pathologic dyspnea.
CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old G2 P1001 female at 34 weeks gestation presented with dyspnea, tachycardia, and inability to lie supine. Imaging revealed a large heterogeneous anterior mediastinal mass (14.8×11.5 cm). Multidisciplinary coordinated care led to diagnosis of B cell lymphoma, delivery via cesarean section under regional anesthesia in steep Trendelenberg position, followed by chemotherapy postpartum.
CONCLUSIONS: Dyspnea in pregnancy is common but might represent underlying pathology. While an obstetrician is knowledgeable of physiologic pregnancy changes, he or she should remain vigilant for underlying pathologic causes of dyspnea, including malignancy. Anterior mediastinal masses propose unique anesthetic challenges including respiratory impairment and cardiopulmonary collapse requiring collaborative care and planning.
Keywords: Dyspnea, Lymphoma, B-Cell, Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic
In Press
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946414
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.944665
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946514
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946456
Most Viewed Current Articles
21 Jun 2024 : Case report
90,010
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
50,284
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
20 Nov 2023 : Case report
25,908
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.941424
Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e941424
18 Feb 2024 : Case report
22,715
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943030
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943030