Role of Submandibular Ultrasound in Airway Management of a Patient With Angioedema

Authors

Dora H. Lin, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
Brittany Meyers, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
Saira Nisar, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
Eric R. Heinz, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-1-2022

Journal

Cureus

Volume

14

Issue

3

DOI

10.7759/cureus.22823

Keywords

angioedema; difficult airway management; difficult extubation; extubation failure; pocus (point of care ultrasound)

Abstract

Angioedema is one of several life-threatening clinical scenarios that lacks clarity on when a patient requires intubation. We present a case of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor-induced angioedema with peri-oral swelling and normal airway measurements on ultrasound, who was intubated with an abundance of caution and extubated successfully. Current tests for intubation and extubation, such as traditional bedside assessments and the cuff leak test, vary in reliability for angioedema and similar urgent situations. Submandibular ultrasound is a quick, low-cost, non-invasive method for determining quantitative criteria for and assessing when intubation and extubation is indicated, which may lead to improved quality of care and patient safety.

APA Citation

Lin, Dora H.; Meyers, Brittany; Nisar, Saira; and Heinz, Eric R., "Role of Submandibular Ultrasound in Airway Management of a Patient With Angioedema" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 637.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/637

Department

Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine