Floppy epiglottis together with extra-laryngeal mass causing an inducible laryngeal obstruction and hypoxemic event in an adult: A case report

Abstract

Floppy epiglottis in an adult is rare and often pathological. Airway obstruction caused by floppy epiglottis in an adult is rarely reported. Neck mass, however, can affect the airway in many ways; however, inducible upper airway obstruction by extra-laryngeal neck mass is hardly been reported. In most of the instances of inducible laryngeal obstruction, the tumor is found in and around the laryngeal inlet. Herein, we report such an unusual incident happened to a 40-year-old gentleman, a case of oral carcinoma for 3 months and a rapidly increasing swelling (6 × 5 cm) over the right side of the neck for 8 days. He presented to us for emergency tracheostomy with the feature of acute upper airway obstruction, unable to lie down; and having difficulty in breathing, desaturation, and chocking even in propped up position. The case highlights the importance of clinical findings and difficulties faced for airway management in such patients.

Keywords

• airway obstruction; emergencies; epiglottis; intratracheal; intubation; respiratory insufficiency