Laryngeal mask airway may result in false negative imaging for carotid medialization: A case report

Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletions result in multiple congenital abnormalities, including an increased risk of carotid medialization, which is an important consideration for preoperative planning in children with velopharyngeal insufficiency. Preoperative imaging of the neck vasculature is recommended. Here we describe a case in which a child had negative imaging studies despite the presence of a medialized carotid artery on physical examination, likely secondary to the supraglottic airway use during sedated imaging, which displaced the carotid laterally. The type of airway used should be a consideration for children undergoing sedated imaging prior to pharyngeal procedures.