Pediatric Difficult Airway Prediction Using Ultrasonography

Recognition of difficult airway is purported to be the most important factor in successful management of difficult airway. The incidence of difficult airway in pediatrics is much less than in adults; however, airway related complications can lead to hypoxic brain damage or even death especially in younger age groups as neonates and infants.The aim of this work is to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound measurements (hyomental distances, tongue measurements, and anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the level of hyoid bone, thyrohyoid membrane, and thyroid cartilage) in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and difficult mask ventilation in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.