Case report and review of the literature: rare fetus-in-fetu presenting as oropharyngeal epignathus.

An epignathus is caused by a continuous spectrum of masses of the oral cavity or oropharynx ranging in its entity from mature teratoma to the exceedingly rare fetus-in-fetu. Due to its location, regardless of the entity, the occurrence of an epignathus is frequently associated with life threatening airway obstruction. Here we demonstrate a case of a fetus-in-fetu presenting as an epignatus.

Dimensional compatibility of rigid ventilating bronchoscopes with pediatric airway anatomy using different recommendations for age-related sizing-A bench study.

Background: Appropriate size selection of pediatric rigid bronchoscopes is fundamental to avoidance of airway trauma and to a high success rate with the first intubation attempt. The aim of the present study was to compare the outer diameters of pediatric rigid bronchoscopes with the anatomical data on the pediatric airway.

Methods: Outer diameters (OD) of pediatric rigid ventilating bronchoscopes as given by the manufacturer were compared with published computed tomography internal diameters (ID) of the cricoid outlet, the trachea as well as the left and right proximal mainstem bronchus, using six published recommendations for age-related size selection.

Dimensional compatibility of balloon-tipped bronchial blockers with the pediatric airway anatomy using different recommendations for age-related size selection.

Background: Age-related recommendations for size selection of bronchial blocker devices are based on a few dated anatomical autopsy and radiological studies determining lower airway dimensions in children. These recommendations are based on anterior-posterior internal bronchial diameters, which are smaller than the more relevant lateral internal bronchial diameters.

Methods: Outer diameters of bronchial blocker balloons inflated with the maximum recommended volume of air were compared to age-related lateral internal bronchial diameters of left and right proximal mainstem bronchi using five different recommendations for age-related size selection of bronchial blocker equipment in children published in the literature.

Spinal meningeal cyst in a child with Marfan syndrome: A potential cause for apparent dural puncture during caudal epidural block.

We report a complication from caudal epidural block for anesthesia in a 4-year-old child with Marfan syndrome who was undergoing lensectomy, orchidopexy, and circumcision resulting in apparent accidental dural puncture. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lumbosacral spinal meningeal cyst.

Two case reports of unexpected tracheal agenesis in the neonate: 3 C's beyond algorithms for difficult airway management.

Background: Handling neonates with postnatal respiratory failure due to congenital airway malformations implies knowledge about emergency management of unexpected difficult airway. In these stressful situations both technical and communication skills of the caretakers are essential.

Case Presentation: Two cases with prenatally unknown tracheal agenesis are reported.