Difficult airway associated with bifid glottis and coexistent subglottic stenosis in a patient with Pallister-Hall syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Pallister-Hall syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by hypothalamic hamartoma, hypopituitarism, bifid epiglottis, and micrognathia.

CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the airway management under general anesthesia of a 15-year-old female with Pallister-Hall syndrome whose airway was compromised with bifid epiglottis and acquired subglottic stenosis. The three options considered for airway management were tracheal intubation, a supraglottic device, and surgical tracheotomy. Tracheal intubation provides a secured airway, but extubation can be difficult. A supraglottic device minimizes airway injury, but it does not completely protect the airway from aspiration.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient's airway was successfully managed using a supraglottic device with aspiration prophylaxis. Airway management devices should be selected according to each patients' individual circumstances.