Escobar syndrome, difficult airway management in pediatrics: A case report

Abstract

Escobar syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive disease of unknown incidence. It is characterized by multiple skeletal, genitourinary and orofacial abnormalities. The multiple malformations (mainly orofacial) and restricted mobility of these patients pose a challenge to the anesthesia team, especially as regards airway management. We describe the clinical case of a pediatric patient diagnosed with Escobar syndrome who underwent two consecutive anesthesia interventions, with evidence of progressive airway anomalies that characterize this syndrome.  The case required adaptation, according to the clinical stage of the disease, of the current algorithms used to approach an anticipated difficult airway in pediatrics,  and  the incorporation of new devices, not described so far in patients with this pathology, as part of the planning and execution phases.