Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Concepts

1. Which of the following is the primary underlying mechanism of SVCS?​​

• A) Increased arterial pressure in the upper body​​

• B) Obstruction of venous return to the right atrium​​

• C) Compression of the pulmonary artery​​

• D) Vasodilation of the superior vena cava ​​

What is the imaging modalities of choice for diagnosing superior vena cava syndrome?​ (Select 2)

• A) Chest X-ray​

• B) CT scan with contrast​

• C) Echocardiogram​

• D) PET scan​

What are the common symptoms of SVC syndrome? (Select 2)​

• Dyspnea​

•  Coughing​

•  Edema in lower extremities​

•  Splenomegaly ​

What are sources of ionizing radiation? (Select 2)​

• The use of portable fluoroscopy and x-ray machines in the OR.​​

•    The use of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (lasers).​

• Endovascular surgery and hybrid cardiac surgery suites.​

• Radio waves.​

What is the most common malignant etiology of SVCS? ​

• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) ​

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)​

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)​

• Thymoma

Which syndrome  may be associated with anterior mediastinal masses and presents with symptoms such as dyspnea and headache?

• Horners syndrome ​

• Superior vena cava syndrome ​

• Cushing’s syndrome ​

• Lamber-Eaton syndrome​

In a patient presenting with SVCS due to a mediastinal mass, which of the following is the most critical anesthetic concern?​

• Risk of intraoperative hypertension​

• Difficulty in achieving adequate neuromuscular blockade​

• Airway collapse upon induction due to mass effect on the trachea and great vessels​

• Risk of myocardial infarction due to coronary artery compression​

A CRNA is preparing to anesthetize a patient with SVCS. What is the most appropriate airway management strategy?​

• Proceed with rapid sequence induction and immediate intubation​

• Avoid pre-induction sedation and maintain spontaneous ventilation until the airway is secured​

• Intubate in the supine position to improve airway access​

• Use succinylcholine to minimize airway reflexes during induction​

A 4-year-old patient present with a anterior mediastinal mass. What is the most important diagnostic test?​

• Pulmonary function test​

• CT scan of the trachea and chest​

• Transthoracic Echo

• Flo-volume loops​

When preparing for an operative or invasive procedure during which there will be exposure to radiation, the perioperative team members should keep in mind which radiation protection principles?​

• Time, distance, and proximity​​
  

• Time, distance, and shielding​​
  

• Time, shielding, and protection​​
  

• Shielding, distance, and awareness​​