Airway management of a patient with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome during general anesthesia - A case report.

Background: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (MKS) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal dilation of the trachea and main bronchi. MKS can be easily missed on chest X-rays, making diagnosis difficult. Under general anesthesia, challenges such as airway leakage or collapse during mechanical ventilation may complicate the achievement of adequate tidal volumes.

Cases: A 94-year-old woman requiring emergency hemiarthroplasty of the hip under general anesthesia was admitted. Preoperative chest X-rays revealed dilation of the trachea and main bronchi, but the patient exhibited no respiratory symptoms. We diagnosed her with MKS and opted for an 8.0-mm-inner-diameter reinforced tracheal tube. We positioned the cuff in the subglottic area, inflating it while monitoring for air leakage. Throughout the surgery, adequate tidal volume was maintained.

Conclusions: Anesthesiologists must conduct a comprehensive evaluation of patients with MKS, including a review of chest radiographs, and establish a meticulous anesthesia plan prior to surgery.