Nasopharyngeal diffuse large B-cells lymphoma causing acute airway obstruction amid COVID-19 crisis: an anaesthetist's nightmare. Issue 1 (28th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yeap, Tat Boon; Teah, Ming Kai; Quay, Yen Ju Joanne; Wong, Melvin Teck Fui
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-28
• Subjects: anaesthesia -- infections -- ear -- nose and throat/otolaryngology; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-241008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Acute stridor is often an airway emergency. We present a valuable experience handling an elderly woman who was initially treated as COVID-19 positive during the pandemic in November 2020. She needed an urgent tracheostomy due to nasopharyngeal (NP) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma causing acute airway obstruction. Fortunately, 1 hour later, her NP swab real-time PCR test result returned as SARS-CoV-2 negative. This interesting article depicts the importance of adequate preparations when handling potentially infectious patients with anticipated difficult airway and the perioperative issues associated with it.