title: Pyriform sinus perforation secondary to traumatic intubation in a difficult airway patient.
abstract: Pyriform sinus perforation is a relatively rare complication of endotracheal intubation in anesthesia. It can occur after traumatic intubation and is potentially lethal. We recently encountered a patient who developed perforation of the left pyriform sinus when intubation was performed emergently by an inexperienced person in a difficult situation outside the operating room. Clinical manifestations and implications of this complication are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance 90509-2910.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries*; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology