Difficult tracheal intubation and post-extubation airway stenosis in an 11-month-old patient with unrecognized

Natsuko Ohsima1, Fumimasa Amaya1, Shunsuke Yamakita1

  • 11Department of Anesthesiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kajii-cho 465 Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto, 604-0096 Japan.

JA Clinical Reports
|March 2, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Unrecognized subglottic stenosis in an infant caused difficult tracheal intubation and airway issues. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing pediatric airway complications and ensuring patient safety during anesthesia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Subglottic stenosis presents a significant risk for difficult tracheal intubation in pediatric patients.
  • Undiagnosed subglottic stenosis can lead to severe airway complications during general anesthesia.
  • This case highlights the potential for unrecognized subglottic stenosis in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of difficult tracheal intubation due to unrecognized subglottic stenosis in an infant.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering subglottic stenosis in pediatric airway management.
  • To discuss the management and outcomes of such cases.

Main Methods:

  • A case presentation of an 11-month-old female undergoing elective surgery.
  • Description of anesthetic induction and intubation challenges encountered.
  • Details of the successful intubation strategy and postoperative management.

Main Results:

  • Multiple attempts with cuffed endotracheal tubes failed due to an advanced subglottic lesion.
  • Successful intubation was achieved with a smaller, uncuffed endotracheal tube.
  • The patient experienced post-extubation stridor and respiratory distress, requiring dexamethasone treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Unrecognized subglottic stenosis is a critical factor in difficult pediatric tracheal intubation.
  • Prompt recognition and appropriate airway management are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
  • This case underscores the need for thorough preoperative airway assessment in infants.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
761
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
313
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
294
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
284
Endotracheal Tube Extubation01:24

Endotracheal Tube Extubation

Endotracheal tube extubation is a critical procedure in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. It involves physically removing the oral or nasal endotracheal (ET) tube, marking the final step in liberating a patient from ventilatory support.
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals....
4.5K
Data Reporting and Recording01:24

Data Reporting and Recording

Reporting and recording are crucial in data documentation. The timely, thorough, and accurate documentation of facts is essential when recording patient data. Failure to record findings during an assessment or interpretation of a problem will result in loss of information and make the patient document unreliable. The reader is left with general impressions if the information is not specific. A recording is documenting data of the individual's health information in a traceable, secure, and...
5.5K