Cesarean section in Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome: Anesthesia implications.

Abstract

Dear Editor, Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome (SJMS) is a rare, acquired postinfectious condition characterized by bronchiectasis or emphysematous changes.[1,2] These patients have a high risk of perioperative pulmonary complications. A 28-year-old primigravida, at 24 weeks of gestation, came with dyspnea on exertion (grade-3) for the 3 months with no history of recurrent infections. On examination, there was diminished breath sounds on the left side. Chest radiograph (done with abdominal shield) showed left hyperlucent lung with reduced vascular markings and slight mediastinal shift. Rest of the investigations were normal. The patient was referred to chest physician for optimization and a diagnosis of Swyer-James syndrome with left lung bulla/pneumothorax was made. The patient was managed with bronchodilators (Metered-Dose Inhaler levosalbutamol and Tiotropium bromide) and breathing exercises (pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing). Spirometry was not done since the patient was in the second trimester of pregnancy. The patient got symptomatically better and an elective cesarean section was planned. Blood gas analysis performed a day before surgery showed PH: 7.441, PCO2:25.6, PO2 = 70.6, Bicarbonate = 17, Base excess = 7.21, Oxygen saturation = 94.4%. High-risk written consent was taken and expected complications were explained. On the day of surgery, the patient was taken in the operation theatre after giving inhalational bronchodilators. Ondansetron 4 mg and ranitidine hydrochloride 50 mg were given intravenously 30 min prior to surgery. A 20-G intravenous cannula was secured, Ringer lactate was started and vital parameters were monitored. Spinal anesthesia with 10 mg of heavy bupivacaine and 25 micrograms of fentanyl in the right lateral position was given. The intraoperative period was uneventful. SJMS was first described in 1953 by Swyer and James, and later explained in detail by MacLeod. A chest radiograph demonstrates lobar or unilateral hyperlucent lung and normal or reduced volume of the affected lung. Patients can present with a multitude of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic with incidental radiographical diagnosis to severe symptoms such as dyspnea and repeated pulmonary infections.[1,2] This syndrome is usually diagnosed in childhood after an evaluation for recurrent respiratory infections, but sometimes they are asymptomatic and may be diagnosed in adulthood.[3,4] In a case series by S. S. Hadice et al.,[3] three out of four patients had no history of airway infection in childhood and were diagnosed in adulthood. The clinical incidence of SJMS in pregnancy is 1:2500.[2] The management focuses on early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of recurrent pulmonary infections and vaccine administration.[2–4] Severe cases of SJMS may require anesthetic care cautiously tailored to significant obstructive pulmonary physiology.[5] Regional anesthesia should be preferred whenever feasible. Chopra S et al.,[2] reported the successful delivery in a case of SJMS under spinal anesthesia in emergency. Labor epidural anesthesia can also be used in electively scheduled patients and supplemented with low-dose spinal anesthesia before surgery, if required. General anesthesia is associated with risk of bulla rupture, worsening of pneumothorax, and other pulmonary complications. Drugs that can cause histamine release and bronchoconstriction should be avoided. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient and her father have given their consent for his images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient and father understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.