[A case of the CHARGE association with failed tracheal intubation]

We experienced a patient with the CHARGE association whose trachea could not be intubated in spite of attempts of laryngoscopy by four experienced anesthesiologists. Laryngeal fiberscope and neck X-ray examination carried out after the surgery, revealed the obvious enlargement of adenoid and tonsils, pressing the epiglottis to the posterior wall of the larynx. Although it is unknown whether enlargement of adenoid and tonsils are specific to the CHARGE association or not, patients with the CHARGE association are considered to have difficult airway. Preanesthetic evaluation of airway is indispensable for anesthesia in the patients with the CHARGE association.