Thoracic epidural anesthesia for modified radical mastectomy in a patient with diffuse systemic sclerosis: A case report

ABSTRACT

Systemic sclerosis is a systemic autoimmune disease. It is characterized by deposition of collagen in skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Systemic sclerosis can cause skin, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal and other complication. A 42 year old woman with systemic sclerosis and breast cancer was scheduled for modified radical mastectomy under thoracic epidural anesthesia because of exertional dypnea, decreased diffusion lung capacity and Raynaud's phenomenon. There was no dyspnea or significant hemodynamic change during operation under epidural anesthesia. She discharged 12 days after operation without complications.