Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenationas a bridge to cytolytic therapy

We describe a case of successful use of veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as a bridge to cytoreductive therapy, in a patient with large mediastinal mass due to T cell lymphoblastic leukemia, complicated by acute cardiorespiratory compromise from mechanical compression and pulmonary embolism.