Pulmonary Dynamics in a Ventilated Breast Cancer Patient

[摘要] Background: Pulmonary mechanics should be followed regularly in order to reveal lung-related pathologies and equipment-related technical problems in mechanically ventilated patients. Case Report: We report a patient with breast cancer who was admitted to the intensive care unit after endotracheal intubation. Her pulmonary mechanics showed extremely high airway resistance (Raw) and low dynamic compliance (Cdyn). The patient had no signs of bronchoconstriction, chest or lung stiffness and secretion. The endotracheal tube was exchanged due to kinging at 16 cm, but Raw and Cdyn did not return to normal limits. Chest computed tomography showed the compression of the right main and left lower posterior bronchus by metastatic masses. Abnormally high Raw was attributed to the narrowing of centrally located bronchi, and low Cdyn was connected with unequal distribution of airflow across the lungs due to patchy compressed large airways. Conclusion: Our purpose with this case report is to point out the importance of pulmonary dynamics in artificially ventilated patients.

[学科分类] 生理学

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