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An unexpected functional cause of upper airway obstruction
L G Michelsen1, A F Vanderspek
1University of Michigan Medical Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor 48109-0800.
Anaesthesia
|December 1, 1988
Summary
A rare case of postoperative airway obstruction was diagnosed as paradoxical vocal cord motion in a woman after Caesarean section. This functional breathing disorder can be an overlooked cause of stridor and respiratory distress.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Postoperative airway obstruction is a critical complication following general anesthesia.
- Pregnancy complicated by polyhydramnios and antenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies can increase patient risk.
Observation:
- A young woman developed acute respiratory obstruction immediately after general anesthesia for Caesarean section.
- Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy confirmed a functional cause of airway obstruction.
Findings:
- The diagnosis was paradoxical vocal cord motion, an infrequent cause of postoperative airway obstruction.
- The patient had no prior history suggestive of this condition.
Implications:
- Paradoxical vocal cord motion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative airway obstruction and stridor.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for patient outcomes.