Tracheal intubation in a child with trismus pseudocamptodactyly (Hecht) syndrome

Tracheal intubation of a child with trismus pseudocamptodactyly (Hecht) syndrome is described. This disorder is characterized by progressive trismus and the need for repeated surgeries. Children intubated orally on a prior occasion may require an alternative approach subsequently due to progressive inability to open the mouth. An antegrade fiberoptic-guided nasotracheal technique initially was chosen due to extremely limited mouth opening. After this approach was unsuccessful, a retrograde guidewire-assisted fiberoptic intubation was performed. The manifestations of Hecht syndrome, as well as both techniques for tracheal intubation employed, are reviewed.