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Questions and Answers
What is the likely cause of the patient's facial swelling and dyspnea in the context of her recent lymphoma diagnosis?
Which medical intervention would be considered the most urgent in managing this patient's symptoms?
Considering the patient's symptoms, which diagnostic procedure would be least useful in the immediate management of her condition?
How does the recent diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma relate to the patient's emergency presentation?
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What underlying mechanism might lead to dyspnea in this patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
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Study Notes
Patient Demographics
- 45-year-old female
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis 1 week ago
- Otherwise unremarkable medical history
Presenting Symptoms
- 1-week history of facial swelling
- Progressive dyspnea with exertion
Imaging Findings
- Chest radiograph indicates a possible diagnosis, but the image is not provided for analysis.
Urgent Next Steps
- Plasmapheresis is the most appropriate urgent next step in the management of this patient.
Rationale
- The combination of facial swelling and dyspnea with exertion in a patient with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma suggests the possibility of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS).
- SVCS is a condition where the superior vena cava (SVC) is obstructed, causing a buildup of pressure in the veins of the head, neck and upper chest.
- Plasmapheresis is a procedure that removes excess plasma from the blood, which may help to reduce the pressure in the SVC and alleviate symptoms.
- While other options may be considered, plasmapheresis is the crucial, urgent initial step in managing the patient's symptoms.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the urgent management of a patient with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with facial swelling and dyspnea. This quiz covers key considerations, including the evaluation of potential superior vena cava syndrome. Enhance your understanding of emergency interventions like plasmapheresis and their rationale in oncology care.
