Massive intraoperative atelectasis secondary to untreated mediastinal Hodgkin's disease: report of the hazard and review of the literature.

Mediastinal adenopathy in Hodgkin's disease has been known to cause relative airway compromise, particularly in the more vulnerable left mainstem bronchus. This has been infrequently reported to occur during general anesthesia and to cause respiratory embarrassment, representing a significant hazard. The possibility of its occurrence should be recognized. Preoperative evaluation of the airway by chest films and tomography, followed by radiation therapy in those patients at risk, is recommended to minimize the chances of respiratory complications during general anesthesia.