A case of monosomy 21 presented with difficult tracheal intubation

Monosomy 21 is a rare chromosomal abnormality. It is mainly associated with mental retardation, intellectual disability, growth retardation, microcephaly, and characteristic facial features. General anesthesia in adults with this disease has not been reported. We report difficult airway management of an adult patient with monosomy 21.

A 30-year-old female was scheduled for laparoscopic gynecological surgery. She was diagnosed with monosomy 21 at birth and accompanied with mental retardation. Preoperative examination revealed limited mouth opening with Mallampati score of IV, but no abnormal laboratory test or chest X-P. Anesthesia was performed using general anesthesia with epidural analgesia. Although bag-mask ventilation was improved by a muscle relaxant, mouth opening was further restricted, and laryngoscope insertion was impossible. Tracheal intubation was achieved using a bronchofiberscope. The operation procedure was completed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital without any major postoperative complications.

In this patient, mouth opening was further reduced after induction of general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant. Preoperative evaluation and adequate preparation of airway management are important for general anesthesia in an adult patient with monosomy 21.