Open AccessRheumatoid Arthritis of the Cricoarytenoid Joints
Author(s) -
Donald D. Funk,
Frank Raymon
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
anesthesia and analgesia/anesthesia and analgesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.404
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1526-7598
pISSN - 0003-2999
DOI - 10.1213/00000539-197511000-00016
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngoscopy , anesthesia , rheumatoid arthritis , airway , endotracheal tube , tracheal tube , surgery , airway obstruction , larynx , intubation
The anesthesiologist must maintain a high index of suspicion for the presence of cricoarytenoid arthritis and vocal-cord fixation in the rheumatoid arthritic. He must be prepared to intubate the trachea blindly, attempting to minimize trauma by using a smaller endotracheal tube. Indirect laryngoscopy, or direct laryngoscopy using a fiberoptic laryngoscope, may be indicated as part of the preanesthetic evaluation. In some instances, preanesthetic tracheostomy or an alternative regional anesthetic technic may be appropriate. Unusually close vigilance in the postoperative period may be required to detect signs of postextubation airway obstruction.