Ameloblastomas are rare tumors that arises from the odontogenic epithelium. Although benign and slow growing, an extensive lesion may cause airway obstruction, making bag-mask ventilation intubation a significant challenge. Here, we present 54-year-old male in respiratory distress with 18x15x13 cm submandibular mass causing compromise. The tumor was extensive, occupying most of oral cavity. Una...

Hemorrhage into the soft tissues of the airway represents a potentially life-threatening complication of long-term anticoagulation. We report the case of a chronically anticoagulated 37-year-old male who developed a spontaneous hematoma of the epiglottis secondary to a supra-therapeutic INR. Epiglottic hematoma should be considered in the differential of any anticoagulated patient presenting wi...

Two cases of airway foreign bodies involving the aspiration of component parts of commonly used respiratory therapy equipment are described. The first case demonstrated the accidental introduction of a washer from a closed catheter suction system into the airway of a patient. The second case involved the accidental introduction of a part of an intubating stylet into the lung. Improper use of th...

BACKGROUND Crotaline snake envenomations are common, but severe crotaline envenomations are infrequent. Death from severe envenomation is usually from upper airway edema and respiratory failure. Published reports of severe respiratory compromise and anaphylactoid reactions are rare. Currently, FabAV (Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab [Ovine] [CroFab]) is the mainstay of crotaline envenomation tr...

introduction: neonatal nasal airway obstruction induces various degrees of respiratory distress. the management of this disease, including surgical repair, will depend on the severity and location of the obstruction. we describe here a case of congenital nasal nostril stenosis that required surgical repair for stenting of both nares after coanal atresia repair.   case report: a 2 days old femal...

Background: While dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery is common, a dural tear rare complication. Airway compromise resulting from cerebrospinal fluid collection an even rarer complication that has only been described to occur in the first few days postoperatively. Case Report: A 55-year-old male presented with progressive and respiratory 3 weeks discectomy fu...

The goal of this literature review is to provide the anesthesia practitioner with the skill set to detect and prepare for a difficult pediatric airway. The authors have reviewed and compiled information on some of the most common conditions that can predispose pediatric patients to a difficulty airway, such as macroglossia, mandibular hypoplasia, micrognathia, cervical instability, limited cerv...

PERITONSILLAR abscess is a known cause of serious airway complications, and, in this context, is discussed in anesthesiology texts. Other medical literature contains reports of peritonsillar abscesses that spread along the deep fascial planes of the neck and chest. We report a rare case in which caudad spread of a peritonsillar abscess lead to life-threatening conditions in addition to airway c...

Sublingual hematoma secondary to short-acting anticoagulants such as warfarin has been labeled "pseudo-Ludwig's angina" to distinguish it from the classic syndrome of localized infection and swelling involving the upper airway. Sublingual hematoma with airway compromise secondary to brodifacoum, a common long-acting anticoagulant rodenticide, has only been reported in the veterinary literature....

Pediatric disorders that involve actual or potential airway compromise are among the most challenging cases that emergency department providers face. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of common and uncommon conditions in infants and children who may present with airway obstruction.