Flow phenomenon, a differential diagnosis in refractory hypoxaemia in patients with anterior mediastinal mass. Case report
Abstract
Introduction: Refractory hypoxaemia is a critical, life-threatening condition if not resolved promptly. The flow phenomenon is implicated in its development.
Objectives:Clinical case presentation and non-systematic review of the literature on refractory hypoxaemia and flow phenomenon. Incidence, aetiology and pathophysiology are described.
Materials and methods: Clinical case presentation authorised by the Ethics Committee of our institution of a young patient who presented with progressive dyspnoea, reaching functional class IV/IV. A search of the literature was conducted in Pub Med, Scielo and Bireme.
Results: There is a growing interest in the physiological flow phenomenon leading to the development of refractory hypoxaemia in the absence of increased pressure in the cardiac cavities. Few reports are found.
Conclusions: Flow phenomenon-related refractory hypoxaemia must be suspected as an exclusion diagnosis in patients with a mediastinal mass. Prone ventilation is proposed as a bridging therapy in order to revert a life-threatening condition.
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