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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Ondine's curse, a fatal infarction diagnosed by polysomnography and saved by ventilation: a case report
Hany Aref1, Tamer Roushdy1, Amr Zaki1
1Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Background:
Lateral medullary syndrome causing Ondine's curse is a rare yet fatal brainstem infarction. Any patient presenting with lateral medulla infarction ought to be well observed and a polysomnography must be ordered for him.
Case Presentation:
A patient presenting with Ondine's curse is dealt with through polysomnography as a diagnostic procedure that was followed by tracheostomy with portable ventilator and cardiac pacemaker as a therapeutic maneuver which ultimately preserved his life.
Conclusion:
Lateral medullary syndrome infarct could be a life-threatening stroke if not diagnosed and managed properly.
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