Anesthetic Management of Anterior Mediastinal Masses in Children

The management of children presenting with an anterior mediastinal mass (AMM) is challenging for anesthesiologists. AMMs are a heterogeneous collection of primary or secondary, benign or malignant tumors. Severe and life-threatening complications related to airway obstruction and/or cardiovascular compression can occur in a patient with an AMM during anesthesia, even in an asymptomatic patient. It is important for the anesthesia provider to understand the pathophysiology of symptoms and complications and the current evidence regarding perioperative management of children with AMM. This chapter explores the pathophysiology of AMM symptoms and of AAM and anesthesia. Perioperative management of AMM patients, including preoperative evaluation and induction and maintenance of anesthesia, is also discussed.