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Updated: May 22, 2026
05:02
Establishment of Acute Pontine Infarction in Rats by Electrical Stimulation
Published on: August 27, 2020
Intraoperative pontine infarction: a hidden challenge.
Nicholas Marcanthony1, Ehab Farag
1Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Case Reports in Anesthesiology
|May 19, 2012
Summary
Apneusis, an abnormal breathing pattern, involves gasping and incomplete exhalation. This case study details airway management for a patient experiencing pontine infarct with these respiratory changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Apneusis, characterized by gasping and inability to fully expire, is linked to pontine trauma affecting the brainstem's respiratory center.
- Cranial nerve deficits and loss of gag reflex often accompany these abnormal breathing patterns.
Observation:
- The case involves a patient in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) with acute, occult pontine infarct.
- The patient had undergone craniectomy and cervical laminectomy for Chiari malformation decompression.
Findings:
- The pontine infarct led to apneusis and associated airway instability.
- Successful airway management was achieved in the PACU despite the neurological insult.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing apneusis in neurocritical care settings.
- Effective airway management strategies are crucial for patients with pontine lesions and respiratory compromise.
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