Article Text
Epilogue
Adolescent with facial swelling
Abstract
Background A previously well 15-year-old girl presented with a 2-month history of facial swelling that progressively worsened to involve the neck. There was associated dyspnoea, orthopnoea, headache and throat discomfort. Two weeks before presentation, the patient had an episode of fever for 5 days. On examination, vital signs were within normal limits. Swelling, plethora and venous distension of the face and neck were apparent (figure 1).
Questions
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Superior vena cava syndrome
Angioedema
Anasarca
Diphtheria
Describe the chest X-ray (figure 2).
What are the acute concerns?
What investigations would you order?
Questions Answers can be found on page 02.
- adolescent health
- oncology
- paediatric practice