Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Cureus
Abstract
A 48-year-old male presented to the emergency department in respiratory distress, with a history of poorly controlled asthma and a remote history of pulmonary embolus. After failing a non-invasive ventilation trial and numerous treatments for presumed status asthmaticus, he was planned for intubation. During the procedure, a large supraglottic mass was visualized, obstructing the airway and preventing successful orotracheal intubation via video laryngoscopy. Securing the airway was complicated by cardiac arrest, likely hypoxia-driven. The patient underwent a successful retrograde intubation followed by post-cardiac arrest stabilization. This case highlights the technique and its role in difficult airway management.
First Page
100274
Last Page
100274
DOI
10.7759/cureus.100274
Publication Date
12-1-2025
Recommended Citation
Tharani V, Meier N. A Reversal in Fortunes: A Case of Triumphant Retrograde Intubation. Cureus. 2025 Dec 28;17(12):e100274. doi: 10.7759/cureus.100274. PMID: 41608008; PMCID: PMC12846761.