title: Airway Management of Incidental Vallecular Cysts in Adults.
abstract: Vallecular cysts, largely asymptomatic in adults, are typically described only on incidental discovery during laryngoscopy, where they may present a challenge in airway management. The current literature is limited to case reports despite the potential for life-threatening complications. We describe management of such a case complicated by cyst rupture and intensive care unit admission. A literature review of eligible case reports was conducted, demonstrating an association between incidental vallecular cysts and difficult bag-mask ventilation and laryngoscopy with intraoperative otolaryngology consultation and intervention being common. Anesthetic management recommendations are thus presented, highlighting any conflicts with current difficult airway algorithms.
authors.affiliation: From the *Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; †Department of Anesthesia, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and ‡Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vorobeichik
authors.forename: Gregory M T
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Hare
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zirkle
authors.forename: Marco M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Garavaglia
mesh_terms: D058109:Airway Management / Q000379:methods*; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000601:surgery; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged