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The object of the research is the painting, Portrait of a Musician’’. Upon closer examination of the painting, we discovered three details. Two have the shape of trachea and bronchi and the third a larynx. By moving the details through the program Paint X we got an image of the larynx, trachea and bronchi. The larynx is presented by thyroid and cricoid cartilage. The characteristic cartilaginous rings are distinguished on the trachea. The right and left main bronchi are also seen. In our opinion, Leonardo da Vinci reflected the elements of the respiratory system in the, Portrait of a Musician’’, thus emphasizing the fact that the bronchi, trachea and larynx are involved in the production of sound.

The purpose of applying cricoid pressure is to prevent pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents during airway management in mask-ventilated patients who are at risk of aspiration. Providers may apply cricoid pressure during induction and intubation if they expect a difficult intubation or if the patient has a high risk for regurgitation. Although the application of cricoid pressure has been accepted as a standard practice worldwide, controversy persists because pulmonary aspiration can occur even when cricoid pressure is applied. The perioperative nurse should have thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, be able to demarcate the surface landmarks of the neck, and be skilled in applying cricoid pressure properly and safely. This article discusses cricoid pressure in the context of safe airway management as well as the perioperative nurse's role as an assistant to the anesthesia professional when applying cricoid pressure.

Black thyroid is characterized by a rare pigment change observed almost exclusively in patients taking minocycline. We present the case of a 72-year-old man diagnosed with T3N3bM0 stage IVB hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had been taking minocycline for approximately 18 months as a treatment for prurigo chronica multiformis. Initial treatment consisted of total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy, bilateral neck dissection, total thyroidectomy, pharyngeal reconstruction using a free jejunal autograft, and creation of a permanent tracheostoma. During surgery, black discoloration of the thyroid and trachea was observed. Postoperative histological findings confirmed the black discoloration, with deposits of dark-brown, melanin-like granules observed in the thyroid, trachea, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage. Therefore, the black discoloration of the thyroid associated with the use of minocycline can extend to the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and trachea. This information is important for surgeons to recognize in order to prevent unnecessary resection due to misdiagnosis.

The cricothyroid membrane (CTM) is the most important anatomic structure when performing emergency front-of-neck access (FONA) procedures. Adolescence is a period of rapid morphologic change in laryngeal structures, including the CTM. We hypothesized that the adolescent CTM would be sufficiently different from pediatric or adult anatomy to merit special consideration in FONA.The aim of the study was to define the procedurally relevant CTM anatomy in an adolescent population.This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study composed of patients who underwent a diagnostic computed tomography scan during routine clinical care. Inclusion criteria were ages 16 to 19 years and a computed tomography of the neck with or without contrast. The primary outcome was CTM height measured in the midsagittal plane using electronic calipers.One hundred thirty-four imaging studies met inclusion criteria. The average CTM height was strongly associated with age and ranged between 5.4 and 6.2 mm in male adolescents and 4.6 and 5.8 mm in female adolescents. We predicted that standard cuffed endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes recommended for FONA procedures (5.0- and 6.0-mm devices) could potentially fail for most patients in our cohort.The adolescent CTM is smaller than previously recognized. We recommend having a variety of equipment sizes readily available at any site where airway management in adolescents may occur.

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is rare accounting for approximately 1% of laryngeal cancers; clear cell subtype is a rare variant. Given the low risk of occult nodal disease, they present a unique opportunity to maximise tissue preservation in order to optimise both recovery and long-term functional outcomes. We present a case of laryngeal clear cell chondrosarcoma causing critical airway obstruction. An emergency tracheostomy was performed and mapping biopsies were taken. The tumour originated from the cricoid and extended into both arytenoid superstructures precluding cricotracheal resection. A modified narrow-field laryngectomy was performed, preserving all pharyngeal mucosa and neurovascularly intact infrahyoids. Organ preservation surgery is preferred in the management of laryngeal chondrosarcoma. If laryngectomy is required, the surgeon must ensure that all uninvolved, functional tissue is preserved carefully to improve swallow and voice outcomes postoperatively. We describe a novel technique used to achieve this outcome.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of thyroid diseases has been increasing year by year. In this study, we established and validated a deep learning method (Cascade region-based convolutional neural network, R-CNN) based on ultrasound videos for automatic detection and segmentation of the thyroid gland and its surrounding tissues in order to reduce the workload of radiologists and improve the detection and diagnosis rate of thyroid disease. METHODS Seventy-one patients with normal thyroid ultrasound were included. The ultrasound videos of 59 patients were used as the training dataset, the data of 12 patients were used as the validation dataset, and in addition, the data of 9 patents were used as the testing dataset. Ultrasound videos of thyroid examination, including five standard sections (left and right lobe transverse scan, central isthmus transverse scan, left and right lobe longitudinal scan), were collected from all patients. The radiologists labeled the neck tissues, including anterior cervical muscle, cricoid cartilage, trachea, thyroid gland, endothyroid vessels, carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and esophagus. A large dataset was constructed to train and test the deep learning method. The performance was evaluated using the COCO metrics AP, AP50, and AP75. We compared the Cascade R-CNN with a state-of-the-art method CenterMask in the test dataset. RESULTS We annotated 166817, 34364, and 29227 regions in training, validation and testing samples. The model could achieve a good detection performance for the thyroid left lobe, right lobe, isthmus, muscles, trachea, carotid artery, and jugular vein; the AP50 of these tissues were 86.5%, 87.5%, 89.1%, 96.1%, 96.6%, 97.7%, and 91.8%, respectively. In addition, the model showed good segmentation performance for the muscles, trachea, and carotid artery; the AP50 of these tissues were 96%, 96.6%, and 97.8%, respectively. For the left lobe, right lobe, isthmus, esophagus, and jugular vein, AP50 was ≥86%. However, the segmentation results for the cricoid cartilage and endothyroid vessels were not high (AP50 of 53.9% and 48.5%, respectively). For fair comparison, the performance of Cascade R-CNN is better than that of CenterMask for detection and segmentation tasks. The difference was statistically significant (p

BACKGROUND Accurate identification of the cricothyroid membrane is crucial for successful cricothyroidotomy. The aim of this study was to compare the conventional downward and modified upward laryngeal handshake techniques in terms of accuracy to identify the cricothyroid membrane in nonobese female patients. METHODS In 198 anesthetized female patients, the cricothyroid membrane was identified by either the conventional downward laryngeal handshake technique (n = 99) or the modified upward laryngeal handshake technique (n = 99). According to the conventional downward laryngeal handshake technique, the cricothyroid membrane was identified by palpating the neck downward from the greater cornu of the hyoid bone, thyroid laminae, and cricoid cartilage. According to the modified upward laryngeal handshake technique, the cricothyroid membrane was located by moving up from the sternal notch. The primary outcome was the accuracy of identifying the cricothyroid membrane. Secondary outcomes included the accuracy of midline identification and time taken to locate what participants believed to be the cricothyroid membrane. The primary and secondary outcomes according to the technique were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS The cricothyroid membrane could be identified more accurately by the modified upward laryngeal handshake technique than by the conventional downward technique (84% vs 56%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 4.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.13-8.93; P < .001). Identification of the midline was also more accurate by the modified laryngeal handshake than by the conventional technique (96% vs 83%, respectively; OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.65-15.01; P = .004). The time taken to identify the cricothyroid membrane was not different between the conventional and modified techniques (20.2 [16.2-26.6] seconds vs 19.0 [14.5-26.4] seconds, respectively; P = .83). CONCLUSIONS The modified upward laryngeal handshake technique that involved tracing the trachea and laryngeal structures upward from the sternal notch was more accurate in identifying the cricothyroid membrane than the conventional downward technique in anesthetized female patients.

本文报道1例发生于婴幼儿声门下的先天性囊肿。患儿女，1岁11个月，因“喘鸣5 d”就诊。术前电子喉镜提示：声门下囊肿，颈部CT提示：甲状腺上方包块影并向后伸入主气管，考虑贯通颈部的声门下囊肿。在全身麻醉下经颈外入路行完整切除囊肿。术中见囊肿通过环甲膜贯通颈部和声门下，术后病理考虑其为先天性声门下囊肿。术后12 d出院，术后1个月复查喉镜见声门下无瘢痕及狭窄，未见囊肿复发，预后良好。.

OBJECTIVE. To describe technical aspects and surgical outcomes of endoscopic resection and mucosal reconstitution with epidermal grafting (ie, the Maddern procedure) in the treatment of idiopathic subglottic stenosis. STUDY DESIGN. Medical record abstraction. SETTING. Johns Hopkins Hospital. METHODS. Retrospective series of 9 adults with idiopathic subglottic stenosis who underwent the Maddern procedure by a single surgeon over a 5-year period. Prespecified outcomes included (1) perioperative outcomes (Clavien-Dindo grade 4/5 complications, need for staged tracheostomy, hospital length of stay), (2) postoperative outcomes (peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], need for subsequent airway surgery, tracheostomy at follow-up), and (3) patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes (Clinical COPD Questionnaire, Voice Handicap Index–10, Eating Assessment Tool–10, and 12-Item Short Form Version 2). Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed. RESULTS. There were no Clavien-Dindo grade 4/5 complications; 2 patients required unplanned staged tracheostomy; and the median length of stay was 3 days. Following endoscopic resection and stent removal, a median of 2 laser resurfacing procedures were required. Two patients developed recurrent stenosis requiring cricotracheal resection (CTR). There were significant improvements in PEFR, Clinical COPD Questionnaire, and Voice Handicap Index–10, without significant difference in Eating Assessment Tool–10. The 12-Item Short Form Version 2 approximated the population norm. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significant improvement in time to surgery after the final laser resurfacing. CONCLUSION. The Maddern procedure has a low complication rate and offers durable physiologic improvement in PEFR, limiting need for additional procedures. Risks included need for CTR salvage, temporary tracheostomy, phlegm accumulation, and laryngospasm. It is a surgical option for patients with short dilation intervals who prefer to avoid the risks of CTR.

To study the hypothyroidism risk after adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) and the association of different RT targets with hypothyroidism risk.We studied 4073 women treated with adjuvant RT for breast cancer from 2007 to 2016. The primary endpoint was hypothyroidism development after RT. Patients were divided and analyzed into 3 groups: whole breast (WB)-alone (n = 2468), regional node irradiation (RNI)-Lv.4 (n = 215; cranial border at the subclavian artery, according to the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology consensus guideline), and RNI-supraclavicular lymph node (SCL) (n = 1390; cranial border at the cricoid cartilage). In general, RNI-Lv.4 was used in the patients with high-risk pN0 and pN1 breast cancer. In auxiliary analysis, the mean thyroid dose was estimated in each group (total n = 600, 200 from each group). All the doses were converted to the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) with α/β ratios of 3.The median follow-up duration was 84 months (WB-alone, 84 months; RNI-Lv.4, 44 months; RNI-SCL, 91 months). The 3-year hypothyroidism incidence rate differed significantly between the RNI-SCL and WB-alone groups (2.2% vs 0.8%; Bonferroni corrected P [Pc].001) but not between the RNI-Lv.4 and WB-alone groups (0.9% vs 0.8%; Pc.05). The Cox model revealed an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.25 (95% CI, 1.49-3.38) for RNI-SCL vs WB-alone, 1.69 (95% CI, 1.12-2.56) for adjuvant systemic therapies, and 2.07 (95% CI, 1.07-3.99) for age60 years. In the subgroup analysis, the hypothyroidism risk became more prominent in patients aged60 years. The mean exposure doses to the thyroid were 0.23 versus 1.93 versus 7.89 Gy (EQD2) for the WB-alone versus RNI-Lv.4 versus RNI-SCL groups (P.001). No statistically different locoregional recurrence rates were seen between groups (5-year rate:3%).The risk of hypothyroidism increases after RNI-SCL for breast cancer but not after RNI-Lv 4. These data support routine contouring of the thyroid in the RNI setting, and future studies are required to develop optimal dose-volume constraints.

Emergency front-of-neck airway rescue is recommended in a can't intubate, can't oxygenate clinical scenario. Cannula cricothyroidotomy has been reported as having a high failure rate. Our primary aim was to estimate the angle of the trachea in relation to the horizontal axis in a simulated emergency front-of-neck airway rescue position. Our secondary aims were to estimate the optimal cannula angle of approach and evaluate the anatomical relationship of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM) to adjacent structures. We also assessed whether the CTM lies above or below the neck midpoint, a point equidistant from the suprasternal notch (SSN), and the chin surface landmarks. All measurements were compared between the male and female subjects.Subjects having elective computed tomography of their thorax were consented to have extension of the computed tomography to include their neck. A preliminary radiation dose and risk assessment deemed the additional radiation to be of very low risk (level IIa). Subjects were positioned supinely on the computed tomography table. Standard neck extension was achieved by placing a pillow under the scapulae and a rolled towel under the neck to simulate emergency front-of-neck airway rescue positioning.Fifty-two subjects were included in this study: 31 men and 21 women. The mean angle of the trachea in relation to the horizontal axis was 25.5° (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.8-29.1) in men and 14.0° (95% CI, 11.5-16.5) in women. The mean minimum angles required for hypothetical cannula cricothyroidotomy for men and women were 55.2° (95% CI, 51.8-58.7) and 50.5° (95% CI, 45.4-55.6), respectively. The CTM was located lower in the neck in men compared to women. The CTM was located below the neck midpoint in 30 of 30 (100%) male subjects and 11 of 20 (55%) female subjects (P.001).The trachea angulates posteriorly in a simulated emergency front-of-neck airway rescue position in supine subjects and to a greater degree in men compared to women (P.001). The minimum angle required for hypothetical cannula cricothyroidotomy was45° in the majority (75%) of subjects studied. A steeper cannula angle of approach may be more reliable and warrants further clinical study. If airway anatomy is indistinct and performing a vertical scalpel cricothyroidotomy, consideration should be given to performing this incision lower in the neck in men compared to women.

BACKGROUND We assessed the safety and efficacy of supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (SCL-CHEP) in patients with laryngeal cicatricial stenosis. METHODS Sixteen patients receiving SCL-CHEP for severe laryngeal cicatricial stenosis between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed. Decannulation rate and tracheostomy closure time were used to evaluate efficacy. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), Voice-related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) scale and Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (GRBAS) scale were used to assess vocal function. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed and the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), and Swallow Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) were used to assess swallowing function. RESULTS Thirteen patients (81.25%) were decannulated successfully. The average tracheostomy closure time was 45.15 days. There was no observed postoperative complications or recurrence of stenosis. VHI-10 and V-RQOL scores showed significantly improved V-RQOL (p

This article discusses skill proficiency of providers related to emergency cricothyroidotomies. Various techniques to improve procedural skills were studied. Accurate identification of the cricothyroid membrane via palpation remained consistently inadequate. High-fidelity simulation including the use of human cadavers may be the preferred method of skill training for crisis management. The authors emphasize that additional research is needed regarding a method for rapid cricothyroid membrane identification as well as needle cricothyroidotomy versus surgical airway on cadavers. More consistent training will enable emergency care providers to perform this rare but lifesaving skill.

Objective:Cricothyroidotomy is an advanced airway procedure for critically ill or injured patients. In Victoria, Australia, intensive care paramedics (ICPs) perform needle cricothyroidotomy utilizing the proprietary QuickTrach II (QTII) device. Recently, an Ambulance Victoria (AV) institutional change in workflow included pre-puncture surgical incision to assist in successful placement. This review aims to explore whether a surgical pre-incision prior to the insertion of the device improved overall procedural success rates of needle cricothyroidotomy using the QTII.Methods:This was a retrospective review of all patients who received a needle cricothyroidotomy by ICPs from May 1, 2015 through September 15, 2020. Data and patient care records were sourced from the AV data warehouse.Results:A total of 27 patients underwent a needle cricothyroidotomy with the mean age of patients being 50.2 years. Most cricothyroidotomies were performed using the QuickTrach II kit (92.6%). Prior to modification of the QTII procedure, front-of-neck access (FONA) success was 50.0%; however, this improved to 82.4% after the procedures recent update. The overall success rate of all paramedic-performed needle cricothyroidotomy during the study period was 74.1% (n = 20).Conclusions:This review demonstrates that propriety devices such as the QTII device achieve a low success rate for a FONA intervention. Despite the low frequency of this procedure, ICPs with extensive training and regular maintenance can perform needle cricothyroidotomy using scalpel assistance with a reasonable success rate. But when compared to the broader literature, success rate using a more straightforward technique such as a surgical cricothyroidotomy technique is likely going to be higher.

Maneuvers for preventing passive regurgitation of gastric contents are applied to effectively occlude the esophagus throughout rapid sequence induction and intubation. The aim of this randomized, crossover study was to investigate the effectiveness of cricoid and paratracheal pressures in occluding the esophagus through induction of anesthesia and videolaryngoscopy.After the induction of anesthesia in 40 adult patients, the location of the esophageal entrance relative to the glottis and location of the upper esophagus relative to the trachea at the low paratracheal region were assessed using an ultrasonography, and the outer diameter of the esophagus was measured on ultrasound before and during application of cricoid and paratracheal pressures of 30 N. Then, videolaryngoscopy was performed with the application of each pressure. During videolaryngoscopy, location of the esophageal entrance relative to the glottis under cricoid pressure was examined on the screen of videolaryngoscope, and the upper esophagus under paratracheal pressure was evaluated using ultrasound. The occlusion rate of the esophagus, and the best laryngeal view using the percentage of glottic opening scoring system were also assessed during videolaryngsocopy. Esophageal occlusion under each pressure was determined by inserting an esophageal stethoscope into the esophagus. If the esophageal stethoscope could not be advanced into the esophagus under the application of each pressure, the esophagus was regarded to be occluded.During videolaryngoscopy, esophagus was occluded in 40 of 40 (100%) patients with cricoid pressure and 23 of 40 (58%) patients with paratracheal pressure (difference, 42%; 95% confidence interval, 26-58; P.001). Both cricoid and paratracheal pressures significantly decreased the diameter of the esophagus compared to no intervention in the anesthetized paralyzed state ( P.001, respectively). Ultrasound revealed that the compressed esophagus by paratracheal pressure in the anesthetized paralyzed state was partially released during videolaryngoscopy in 17 of 40 patients, in whom esophageal occlusion was unsuccessful. The best laryngeal view was not significantly different among the no intervention, cricoid pressure, and paratracheal pressure (77 [29] % vs 79 [30] % vs 76 [31] %, respectively; P = .064).The occlusion of the upper esophagus defined by inability to pass an esophageal stethoscope was more effective with cricoid pressure than with paratracheal pressure during videolaryngoscopy, although both cricoid and paratracheal pressures reduced the diameter of the esophagus on ultrasound in an anesthetized paralyzed state.

BackgroundMild internal jugular vein (IJV) compression, aimed at increasing intracranial fluid volume to prevent motion of the brain relative to the skull, has reduced brain injury markers in athletes suffering repeated traumatic brain injuries. However, an increase in intracranial volume with IJV compression has not been well demonstrated. This study used transorbital ultrasound to identify changes in optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a direct marker of accompanying changes in intracranial volume.MethodsNineteen young, healthy adult volunteers (13 males and 6 females) underwent IJV compression of 20 cm H2O low in the neck, while in upright posture. IJV cross-sectional area at the level of the cricoid cartilage, and the change in right ONSD 3 mm behind the papillary segment of the optic nerve, were measured by ultrasound. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test with Bonferroni correction.ResultsMean (SD) cross-sectional area for the right IJV before and after IJV compression was 0.10 (0.05) cm2 and 0.57 (0.37) cm2, respectively (p=0.001). ONSD before and after IJV compression was 4.6 (0.5) mm and 4.9 (0.5) mm, respectively (p=0.001).ConclusionsThese data verify increased cerebral volume following IJV compression, supporting the potential for reduced brain ‘slosh’ as a mechanism connecting IJV compression to possibly reducing traumatic brain injury following head trauma.

We have reviewed the surgical procedures performed and outcomes for low-birth-weight infants with acquired subglottic stenosis. The gestational age at birth, birth weight, age at Laryngotracheal reconstruction, and therapeutic outcome over the past 26 years were reviewed. Laryngotracheal reconstruction was initially performed by costochondral grafting involving only the anterior wall for the first operation, but since 2010 a costal cartilage was also inserted into the posterior wall of the cricoid cartilage using the BENSON pylorus spreader to split the cartilage. There were 21 patients. The mean gestational age was 29.6 weeks, the mean birth weight was 1127 g, and the first surgery was performed at a mean age of 37.0 ± 21.8 months. Extubation was possible in 11 of 21 patients (52.3%) after the first surgery and in 7 of 7 patients after re-operation. The total extubation rate reached 100% (18/18) excluding three patients (one who suffered sudden death, and two who were lost to follow-up). Sufficient dilatation of the subglottic space could not be achieved by costochondral grafting involving the anterior wall alone. The extubation rate was improved by dilatation of the posterior wall and the insertion of costal cartilage into both the anterior and posterior walls.

A challenge in esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy is that the distance from the neck to the abdomen must be replaced with a long segment obtained from the gastrointestinal tract. The success or failure of the reconstruction depends on the blood flow to the reconstructed organ and the tension on the anastomotic site, both of which depend on the reconstruction distance. There are three possible esophageal reconstruction routes: posterior mediastinal, retrosternal, and subcutaneous. However, there is still no consensus as to which route is the shortest. The length of each reconstruction route was retrospectively compared using measurements obtained during surgery, where the strategy was to pull up the gastric conduit through the shortest route. The proximal reference point was defined as the left inferior border of the cricoid cartilage and the distal reference point was defined as the superior border of the duodenum arising from the head of the pancreas. This study involved 112 Japanese patients with esophageal cancer (102 men, 10 women). The mean distances of the posterior mediastinal, retrosternal, and subcutaneous routes were 34.7 ± 2.37 cm, 32.4 ± 2.24 cm, and 36.3 ± 2.27 cm, respectively. The retrosternal route was significantly shorter than the other two routes (both p

The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of cricoid pressure (CP) and paralaryngeal pressure (PLP) on occlusion of eccentric esophagus in patients under general anesthesia (GA). Secondary objectives include the prevalence of patients with central or eccentric esophagus both before and after GA, and the success rate of CP in occluding centrally located esophagus in patients post GA. Fifty-one ASA physical status I and II patients, undergoing GA for elective surgery were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonography imaging were performed to determine the position of the esophagus relative to the trachea: (i) before induction of GA, (ii) after GA before external CP maneuver, (iii) after GA with CP, and (iv) after GA with PLP. CP was applied to all patients whilst PLP via fingertip technique was only applied to patients with an eccentric esophagus. Among a total of 51 patients, 28 of them (55%) had eccentric esophagus pre GA, while this number increase to 33 (65%) after induction of GA. CP success rate was 100% in 18 patients with central esophagus post GA versus 27% in 33 patients with eccentric esophagus post GA (P

ObjectiveThe incidence of recurrent stenosis after cricotracheal resection is 3–9.5 per cent. Management of such patients is challenging. This study aimed to review our experience in revision cricotracheal resection.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt, on nine patients with recurrent stenosis following cricotracheal resection. Revision cricotracheal resection was performed in all patients. Surgiflo was applied on the site of anastomosis to enhance healing.ResultsNo intra-operative complications were recorded. Minor post-operative complications occurred in two patients (surgical emphysema and temporary choking); no major complications were reported. Re-stenosis occurred in one patient. Successful decannulation was achieved in eight of the nine patients.ConclusionRevision cricotracheal resection is the definitive curative treatment for recurrent stenosis after previous unsuccessful resection. It has high success rates, provided that careful pre-operative assessment and meticulous operative technique are performed.

We conducted a survey of Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists designed to quantify self-reported use of cricoid pressure (CP) in patients presumed to be at risk of gastric regurgitation, and to ascertain the underlying justifications used to support individual practice. We aimed to identify the perceived benefits and harms associated with the use of CP and to explore the potential impact of medicolegal concerns on clinical decision-making. We also sought to ascertain the views of Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists on whether recommendations relating to CP should be included in airway management guidelines. We designed an electronic survey comprised of 15 questions that was emailed to 981 randomly selected Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) by the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network on behalf of the investigators. We received responses from 348 invitees (response rate 35.5%). Of the 348 respondents, 267 (76.9%) indicated that they would routinely use CP for patients determined to be at increased risk of gastric regurgitation. When asked whether participants believed the use of CP reduces the risk of gastric regurgitation, 39.8% indicated yes, 23.8% believed no and 36.3% were unsure. Of the respondents who indicated that they routinely performed CP, 159/267 (60%) indicated that concerns over the potential medicolegal consequences of omitting CP in a patient who subsequently aspirates was one of the main reasons for using CP. The majority (224/337; 66%) of respondents believed that recommendations about the use of CP in airway management guidelines should include individual practitioner judgement, while only 55/337 (16%) respondents believed that routine CP should be advocated in contemporary emergency airway management guidelines.

Instroduction: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder, characterized by recurrent narrowing and closure of the upper airway accompanied by intermittent oxyhemoglobin desaturation and sympathetic activation. Ultrasound imaging of the airways has advantages of being safe, quick, repeatable, portable and widely available. Airway ultrasound can visualize and assess the mouth and tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, epiglottis, larynx, vocal cords, cricothyroid membrane, cricoid cartilage, trachea, and cervical esophagus. Material and methods: This study assessed the role of ultrasonography in detecting the level and degree of obstruction of airway passages in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its relation to OSA severity. It included thirty-three patients diagnosed as OSA, and ten healthy subjects as a control group. All participants were ≥ 18 years and were subjected to full medical history, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), thorough clinical examination, complete overnight polysomnography and neck ultrasonography. Results: Ultrasonography findings showed a statistically significant increase in lateral parapharyngeal wall thickness (LPWT) (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in distance between lingual arteries (DLA) (P < 0.01) among OSA patients. Moreover, there was a significant statistical decrease in the retropalatal pharynx transverse diameter (RPD) (P < 0.05) in the OSA group compared to those without OSA. LPWT and DLA are parameters that can be used to predict the severity of OSA. Combination of LPWT and RPD can achieve a 100% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Ultrasound is more objective and convenient than the questionnaire because it doesn’t require overnight time consumption. It is also more relevant than pulse oximetry for examining pharyngeal airspace. Also, this study demonstrated that submental ultrasonography is sufficiently sensitive for differentiating OSA severity.

Background To identify clinicoradiological factors that determine functional outcomes in laryngopharyngeal cancers treated with chemoradiotherapy. Methods One hundred patients of locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers who were treated with chemoradiotherapy were accrued in this prospective study. The coprimary endpoint of the study was local control (LC) and functional larynx preservation survival (FLPS). Results The median follow-up was 39 months. Thirty-nine patients had a local failure of which 17 underwent a salvage laryngectomy. A dysfunctional larynx with clinic-radiologically disease was seen in only 1 patient. Factors significant for LC were thyroid cartilage erosion/lysis and cricoarytenoid joint involvement. Within the T4a subset, patients with exolaryngeal disease through the soft tissue framework had significantly better LC and FLPS than those with cartilage erosion/lysis. Conclusions Patients with limited exolaryngeal disease through the soft-tissue framework can be considered for functional organ preservation, while those with thyroid cartilage involvement and cricoarytenoid joint involvement are not suitable.

Purpose Conventional palpation techniques for cricothyroid membrane (CTM) identification are inaccurate and unreliable. Ultrasound plays a multi-faceted role in airway management, however there is limited literature around its use for CTM identification prior to cricothyrotomies. This review sought to compare ultrasound to palpation in the general population, identify its indications in subjects with ill-defined neck anatomy, and determine its role in defining neck anatomy. Methods Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts and full-text English articles through the Ovid Medline and EMBASE databases. Studies related to ultrasound for CTM assessment and/or cricothyrotomy in subjects older than 12 years were included. Results Fourteen studies were selected. Compared to palpation, ultrasound has greater accuracy, but longer CTM identification times in those with normal airway anatomy. Interestingly, ultrasound offers comparable times to palpation in patients with difficult airways. Ultrasound also helps define anatomical parameters in the neutral and extended neck positions thereby underscoring the importance of neck positioning during cricothyrotomies and confirming consensus-based incision recommendations set by the Difficult Airway Society. Conclusion Ultrasound appears to be superior to palpation for CTM localization especially in those with difficult airway anatomy and objectively defines neck anatomy. Its pre-emptive use should be incorporated during difficult airway management.

Background and objectivesThe costoclavicular brachial plexus block is performed deep and posterior to the midpoint of the clavicle. There are limited data evaluating the spread of the costoclavicular brachial plexus block. We performed a cadaveric study to evaluate the spread of injectate after a costoclavicular brachial plexus block.MethodsFive ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block injections were performed with 20 mL of 0.1% methylene blue. The brachial plexus and its branches were dissected from the level of C4 to the lower axilla. The extent of dye spread was recorded including spread to the phrenic nerve, suprascapular nerve, roots, trunks, divisions, cords and terminal branches of the brachial plexus.ResultsThe dye extended cephalad to the level of the cricoid cartilage in two of the five injections; three injections had dye extending 0.75 cm, 1.5 cm and 2 cm caudad to the level of the cricoid cartilage, respectively. The C7, C8 and T1 nerve roots were stained in all injections. The dye did not extend cephalad to the C5 and C6 nerve roots. All trunks, cords and divisions of the brachial plexus were stained, as was the suprascapular nerve. There was no spread of dye to the phrenic nerve in any of the specimens.ConclusionsThis cadaveric study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided injection in the costoclavicular space spreads cephalad to the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular space, consistently reaching the suprascapular nerve and all trunks and cords of the brachial plexus, while sparing the phrenic nerve.

Objective The upper esophageal sphincter plays a significant role by forming a physical barrier at the junction of the hypopharynx and the cervical esophagus. As few studies have focused on the ventral aspect of this junction, the contribution of the anterior wall of the cervical esophagus to upper esophageal sphincter function remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the muscle fibers’ arrangement at the junction, especially of those forming its anterior wall. Methods Thirteen specimens from 13 Japanese cadavers were analyzed. Six specimens were dissected macroscopically, while the remaining seven were examined histologically. Results The outer longitudinal layer of the proximal esophagus was well-developed anterolaterally. The uppermost fibers of the inner circular layer of the esophagus ascended longitudinally. The anterolateral part of the outer longitudinal layer and the uppermost region of the inner circular layer were continuous with the median tendinous band, in turn reaching superior to the cricoid cartilage. Histological analysis showed that the tendinous band was also continuous with the superior part of the perichondrium of the cricoid cartilage and with the aponeurosis of the transverse and oblique arytenoids. Conclusion The well-developed anterolateral region of the outer longitudinal layer and the uppermost fibers of the inner circular layer were continuous with the median tendinous band, which reached superior to the cricoid cartilage. The contraction of the proximal esophagus may result in protrusion of the anteromedian esophageal wall into the lumen, thereby supporting the closure of the upper esophageal sphincter.

BACKGROUND Ultrasonography is used to pre-operatively predict the endotracheal tube size required for intubation by measuring the cricoid cartilage diameter. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of ultrasound measurements of the transverse diameters of the cricoid cartilage in children. METHODS We examined 50 children who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at the HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, from February 2019 to December 2019. Each child underwent MRI and ultrasound scans for measurement of the transverse diameters of the cricoid cartilage. The data measured by each technique were compared using Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression analysis. RESULTS Results of linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis showed strong correlation in the level of agreement between MRI and ultrasound measurements (r = 0.94, P

Introduction We aimed to determine the optimal placement of electrodes for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for post-stroke dysphagia therapy. Methods 31 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomised to three groups according to NMES electrode placement. In Group A (n = 10), two pairs of electrodes were attached horizontally on the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles. In Group B (n = 11), one pair of electrodes was attached horizontally on the suprahyoid muscles while the other was attached vertically on the infrahyoid muscles. In Group C (n = 10), the electrodes were attached vertically, with one pair above the hyoid bone and the other above the cricoid cartilage. All patients received rehabilitation treatment via NMES combined with effortful swallowing training five times weekly for four weeks. The effect of NMES electrode placement was assessed in terms of the Functional Dysphagia Scale (FDS) and Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) scores. Results Group A showed significantly greater improvement than Group B in overall FDS (p = 0.009) and pharyngeal-phase FDS (FDS-P; p = 0.005) scores. Group A also showed significant improvement when compared with Group C in overall FDS (p = 0.001) and FDS-P (p = 0.001) scores. Conclusion Horizontal placement of the NMES electrodes on the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia by NMES combined with effortful swallowing was more effective than the horizontal and vertical placement of electrodes on the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, respectively, and their vertical placement above the hyoid bone and cricoid cartilage.

Background Emergency front of neck airway access by anaesthetists carries a high failure rate and it is recommended to identify the cricothyroid membrane before induction of anaesthesia in patients with a predicted difficult airway. We have investigated whether a marking of the cricothyroid membrane done in the extended neck position remains correct after the patient’s neck has been manipulated and subsequently repositioned Methods The subject was first placed in the extended head and neck position and had the cricothyroid membrane identified and marked with three methods, palpation, ‘laryngeal handshake’ and ultrasonography and the distance from the suprasternal notch to the cricothyroid membrane was measured. The subject then moved off the table and sat on a chair and subsequently returned to the extended neck position and examinations were repeated. Results Skin markings of all 11 subjects lay within the boundaries of the cricothyroid membrane when the subject was repositioned back to the extended neck position and the median difference between the two measurements of the distance from the suprasternal notch was 0 mm (range 0‐2 mm). Conclusion The cricothyroid membrane can be identified and marked with the subject in the extended neck position. Then the patient’s position can be changed as needed, for example to the ‘sniffing’ neck position for conventional intubation. If a front of neck airway access is required during subsequent airway management, the patient can be returned expediently to the extended‐neck position, and the marking of the centre of the membrane will still be in the correct place. Postprint

Background Nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is commonly performed in pediatric emergency care and is classically confirmed by any one of several methods, among which auscultation or aspiration and radiography comprise the currently recognized as the reference standard. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used to confirm NGT insertion, especially in adults or prehospital patients, but reports of its use in the pediatric emergency department (ED) are still scarce. We report a case of successful POCUS-guided NGT placement in a pediatric ED. Case report A 3-year-old male undergoing remission therapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia presented to our ED with fever and decreased appetite. Tumor lysis syndrome was diagnosed, and endotracheal intubation was required because of the need for emergency hemodialysis for hypercalcemia. Because of difficulty in guiding the tube through the nose, ultrasound-guided placement was attempted. In the transverse view over the neck below the level of the cricoid cartilage, the 10-Fr NGT was visualized under ultrasound guidance as it passed through the esophagus. Subsequently, the entry of the NGT tip into the gastric cardia was confirmed on the subxiphoid longitudinal view. A chest radiograph confirmed the presence of the NGT in the stomach. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although the utility of POCUS for NGT placement was reported in adult patients, reports of its use in pediatric cases are still few. POCUS is a real-time, noninvasive, time-saving procedure that can be a useful alternative to radiography for confirming correct NGT placement.

Objective: Anastomosing hemangioma (AH) is a novel tumor of vascular origin. Though well-documented in the kidney and retroperitoneum, only a single case has been documented in the head and neck, and AH in larynx has not been described. Methods: A 37-year-old male presented with difficulty in breathing, and hoarseness. Imaging revealed a lesion involving left paraglottic and cricothyroid spaces with destruction of cricoid cartilage, suggestive of a malignant cartilageneous neoplasm. Multiple biopsies were non-diagnostic. Results: Intraoperative frozen section during transcervical resection showed a vascular tumor devoid of nuclear atypia. Histopathological examination revealed a vasoformative tumor comprised of anastomosing capillary-sized vessels lined by flat and hobnail endothelial cells, consistent with AH. The patient was disease-free at 12 months. Conclusion: AH are rare neoplasms that may mimic a malignancy on imaging, especially in sites where they have not been documented. Due to their vascular nature, biopsies are often non-diagnostic, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Frozen section may assist in decision-making on the extent of resection required.

OBJECTIVES Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a fibrotic condition of the upper airway. Recent evidence suggests dysregulated host immunity plays a role in LTS development and progression. The programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis, targeted by paradigm-shifting immunotherapies for cancer treatment, has also recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic pulmonary disease. However, a role for the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in the proximal airway fibrosis seen in LTS patients has not been explored. STUDY DESIGN Controlled ex vivo study. METHODS Expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CD4, and CD8 were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining of cricotracheal resection specimens from postintubation iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS), idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) patients, and normal controls derived from rapid autopsy (n = 8 per group). Fibroblasts derived from iLTS scar were also treated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and analyzed for PD-L1 expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (n = 6). RESULTS iLTS specimens exhibited increased expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD4 (all P

To clarify the patterns of the recurrence and to assess the oncological and functional outcomes after salvage surgery for the patients with structural local recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), twenty-five patients who underwent salvage surgery for structural local recurrence of PTC were retrospectively reviewed. Structural recurrences were observed in the tracheal lumen in 5 patients, intraluminal or intramuscular esophagus in 5 patients, trachea, and cricoid cartilage in 9 patients, cricoid and thyroid cartilage in 2 patients, intra-lumen of the larynx in 1 patient and soft tissue around thyroid in 3 patients, respectively. Although all local disease was resected with macroscopically negative margin, 10 patients diagnosed as microscopically positive margin. Major surgical complications occurred in 6 patients, including common carotid artery injury (n = 1), unintentional pharyngeal or esophageal injury (n = 2), recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (n = 2), and pharyngeal fistula resulting in common carotid artery rupture (n = 1), and were successfully managed. During the follow-up periods, 6 patients were alive without disease, 15 patients survived with distant metastases and/or locoregional recurrence, and 4 patients died of the disease. While tracheocutaneous fistula remained in 7 patients, the vocal function was preserved in all patients but one who underwent total laryngectomy. Normal oral intake was retained in all patients. In conclusion, although salvage surgery for structural recurrence of PTC has a high risk of complications, it may be worthwhile when macroscopic curative resection is available. The decision should be made considering various factors including curability, risk of surgical procedure, functional outcome, and life expectancy.

To evaluate thyroid, arytenoid, and cricoid cartilage invasion on computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients undergoing total laryngectomy for both primary and recurrent laryngeal carcinoma. Secondary endpoint was to compare laryngeal cartilage invasion between primary and recurrent tumours. Pre-treatment CT of 40 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy was retrospectively evaluated and compared with histology. Focal erosions of thyroid cartilage were accounted for neoplastic invasion of the inner cortex. Full-thickness thyroid cartilage invasion was defined as a tumour-like tissue replacing thyroid cartilage or extended in extra-laryngeal soft tissues. Sclerosis and erosion of arytenoid and cricoid cartilages were assessed as signs of neoplastic invasion. CT erosion showed perfect agreement for thyroid inner cortex and cricoid cartilage invasion and almost perfect agreement (87%) for arytenoid cartilage invasion. For tumours in contact with thyroid cartilages, the absence of CT erosion underestimated inner cortex infiltration. CT showed perfect agreement in predicting full-thickness thyroid cartilage invasion only in the case of extra-laryngeal neoplastic extension. Arytenoid sclerosis showed poor correlation with neoplastic invasion. For primary tumours, CT demonstrated good (inner cortex 75%; full-thickness 85%), substantial (67.5%), and perfect (100%) accuracy in thyroid, arytenoid, and cricoid cartilage invasion, respectively. No CT differences were observed between primary and recurrent laryngeal tumours. Tumour-like tissue extension in the extra-laryngeal soft tissues was accurate in predicting thyroid cartilage full-thickness invasion. Erosions of arytenoid, cricoid, and thyroid cartilages’ inner cortex on CT were highly indicative of neoplastic infiltration. No CT difference in cartilage infiltration between primary and recurrent tumours was observed.

The management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) remains challenging. Although laryngotracheal reconstruction with a costal cartilage graft (LTR) has been widely performed, restenosis with cicatricial tissue may require long-term stenting, especially in patients with severe SGS. An anterior cricoid split (ACS) with long-term stenting has been shown to be useful for patients with mild SGS. Thus, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients, including severe SGS, who underwent ACS compared to those with LTR. A retrospective chart review was conducted in 25 patients with severe SGS (Grades III and IV) who underwent initial laryngoplasty (ACS or LTR) in our hospital from January 2009 to April 2018. 17 patients (8 with Grade III and 9 with Grade IV) underwent ACS, and 8 (6 with Grade III and 2 with Grade IV) underwent LTR. The median duration of stenting was 11 months (range: 0.8–50) in the ACS group and 12 months (range: 0.4–29) in the LTR group. Thirteen of 17 patients (76.5%) in the ACS group were decannulated, whereas 4 of 8 patients (50%) in the LTR group were decannulated (p = 0.2). ACS might be useful even for children with severe SGS. The optimal duration of stenting should be investigated further.

Accurate human tissue biomechanical data represents a critical knowledge gap that will help facilitate the advancement of new medical devices, patient-specific predictive models, and training simulators. Tissues related to the human airway are a top priority, as airway medical procedures are common and critical. Placement of a surgical airway, though less common, is often done in an emergent (cricothyrotomy) or urgent (tracheotomy) fashion. This study is the first to report relevant puncture force data for the human cricothyroid membrane and tracheal annular ligaments. Puncture forces of the cricothyroid membrane and tracheal annular ligaments were collected from 39 and 42 excised human donor tracheas, respectively, with a mechanized load frame holding various surgical tools. The average puncture force of the cricothyroid membrane using an 11 blade scalpel was 1.01 ± 0.36 N, and the average puncture force of the tracheal annular ligaments using a 16 gauge needle was 0.98 ± 0.34 N. This data can be used to inform medical device and airway training simulator development as puncture data of these anatomies has not been previously reported.

Identifying the cricothyroid membrane is an essential technical skill for front-of-neck access procedures.This study evaluated the usefulness of cricothyroid membrane identification in pediatric patients using ultrasonography by anesthesiology trainees without experience in airway ultrasound and collected anatomical data on the cricothyroid membrane and its surrounding airway structures in children.This prospective observational study included children aged18 years scheduled to undergo general anesthesia and anesthesiology trainees who identified the cricothyroid membrane in five sequential anesthetized patients using ultrasonography. A pediatric anesthesiologist confirmed the accuracy of the identified cricothyroid membrane and recorded the performance time. The primary aims were the cricothyroid membrane identification success rate and performance time. The secondary aims were the characterization of the cricothyroid membrane and its surrounding structures.Overall, 150 pediatric patients and 30 anesthesiology trainees were analyzed. The cricothyroid membrane identification success rate using ultrasonography was 100% in all the attempts using a transverse approach. The mean (standard deviation) performance time was 27.2 (18.6) s and 31.0 (23.8) s using the transverse and longitudinal approaches, respectively. The performance time decreased by 3.1 (p = .003, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -5.1--1.0) and 5.2 (p = .007, 95% CI = -8.9--1.4) seconds per increase in number of attempts with the transverse and longitudinal approaches, respectively. The cricothyroid membrane length was mostly correlated with the patients' height (r = .75, p .001), and the blood vessels surrounding the cricothyroid membrane were observed in 95.9% of the patients.Anesthesiology trainees without experience in airway ultrasound successfully identified the cricothyroid membrane in pediatric patients using ultrasonography after a brief training period. Further research is required as the identification of a structure does not predict the success of the actual procedure, particularly if done in an emergency situation.

Emergency front-of-neck access (FONA) is particularly challenging with impalpable neck anatomy. We compared 2 techniques that are based on a vertical midline neck incision, followed by finger dissection and then either a cannula or scalpel puncture to the cricothyroid membrane.A manikin simulation scenario of impalpable neck anatomy and bleeding was created. Sixty-five anesthesiologists undergoing cricothyrotomy training performed scalpel-finger-cannula (SFC) and scalpel-finger-bougie (SFB) cricothyrotomy in random order. Primary outcomes were time to oxygen delivery and first-attempt success; data were analyzed using multilevel mixed-effects models.SFC was associated with a shorter time to oxygen delivery on univariate (median time difference, -61.5 s; 95% confidence interval [CI], -84.7 to -38.3; P.001) and multivariable (mean time difference, -62.1 s; 95% CI, -83.2 to -41.0; P.001) analyses. Higher first-attempt success was reported with SFC than SFB (47 of 65 [72.3%] vs 18 of 65 [27.7%]). Participants also had higher odds at achieving first-attempt success with SFC than SFB (odds ratio [OR], 10.7; 95% CI, 3.3-35.0; P.001). Successful delivery of oxygen after the "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" (CICO) declaration within 3 attempts and 180 seconds was higher (84.6% vs 63.1%) and more likely with SFC (OR, 5.59; 95% CI, 1.7-18.9; P = .006). Analyzing successful cases only, SFC achieved a shorter time to oxygen delivery (mean time difference, -24.9 s; 95% CI, -37.8 to -12.0; P.001), but a longer time to cuffed tube insertion (mean time difference, +56.0 s; 95% CI, 39.0-73.0; P.001). After simulation training, most participants preferred SFC in patients with impalpable neck anatomy (75.3% vs 24.6%).In a manikin simulation of impalpable neck anatomy and bleeding, the SFC approach demonstrated superior performance in oxygen delivery and was also the preferred technique of the majority of study participants. Our study findings support the use of a cannula-based FONA technique for achieving oxygenation in a CICO situation, with the prerequisite that appropriate training and equipment are available.

Emergency cricothyrotomy is a live saving intervention to rapidly gain access to the airways in patients who cannot be intubated nor ventilated. Considering complications such as bleeding, thyroid and cricoid cartilage injury and creation of a false tract emergency cricothyrotomy should not be performed until non-invasive attempts including video laryngoscopy and the use of supraglottic airway devices have been exploited within a fixed difficult airway management algorithm. Methods of emergency cricothyrotomy can be differentiated in a catheter-over-needle, Seldinger-wire and surgical technique. However, success is less dependent from the choice of method but from individual experience and training. Despite a lack of evidence due to its infrequent use cricothyrotomy generally results in an acceptable success rate. In this review a selection of commercially available cricothyrotomy sets is presented, indications for their use are outlined and their handling is described.

It is thought that many infants have a prominent venous plexus of the postcricoid area. In the past this entity had occasionally been reported as a postcricoid hemangioma or even a postcricoid mass. The term postcricoid cushion is now gaining acceptance to describe the prominent venous plexus of the posterior cricoid area. Although it rarely causes symptoms, it should be considered when patients present with symptoms of obstruction. Differentiating between normal variant postcricoid prominent venous plexuses, hemangiomas, and vascular malformations can be difficult and cannot be confirmed without immunohistochemistry. The objective of this systematic review is to describe current practices, clinical symptoms, management and outcomes of pediatric postcricoid lesions including postcricoid cushion.A systemic review of the literature was done using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to investigate postcricoid lesions. The following terms: Postcricoid, Postcricoid lesions, Postcricoid mass, Posterior cricoid, Pressure-dependent postcricoid mass, postcricoid prolapse, postcricoid hemangiomas, postcricoid vascular malformations, and postcricoid cushion were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles that were within the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Demographics, past medical and birth histories, clinical symptoms, evaluations, biopsy results, treatments, and outcomes were included. For the purposes of this review, postcricoid cushions, pressure-dependent postcricoid mass, and postcricoid prolapse will be group under normal variant postcricoid cushion.15 articles with 42 distinct cases were included in this systemic review. 21/42 of the patients were female, the age ranged from 2 days to 18 years, the median age was 6.5 months, and 39/42 of patients were under the age of 2 years. 17/42 patients were diagnosed "hemangiomas" in the papers with only 1 case confirming the diagnosis of hemangioma with immunohistochemistry. 7/42 were diagnosed vascular malformations with 3 cases confirming the diagnosis of with immunohistochemistry. 17/42 of cases were normal variant postcricoid cushions. Most commonly, patients had a history of laryngomalacia (14/33) followed by no other medical history (9/33). The most common clinical symptoms were stridor, dysphonia, or weak cry in 30/42, dysphagia in 20/42, sleep disordered breathing in 9/42, and regurgitation or aspiration in 9/42.8/38 of patients diagnosed with postcricoid cushion did not have visualization of the lesion until a Valsalva maneuver was performed. The most common management for "hemangiomas" was observation (8/17), for "vascular malformations" was laser therapy (3/7), and for normal variant postcricoid cushions was observation (8/17). The most common outcome was complete resolution (14/30) followed by improvement of symptoms (9/30), and residual complications (4/30) The median time to follow-up was 12 months.Due to the relatively new "discovery" of the normal variant postcricoid cushion, including postcricoid cushion, pressure-dependent postcricoid mass, and postcricoid prolapse, the majority of the literature are case reports. Although it is theorized that many children under the age of 2 have a prominent venous plexus, in some cases it could cause symptoms of obstruction. Because immunohistochemistry is rarely done and reported in the literature, many case reports may have misdiagnosed the postcricoid lesions. Also, in many cases visualizing the normal variant postcricoid cushion requires that the patients have increased intrathoracic pressure; therefore, if no postcricoid prominence is seen initially or when the patient is under general anesthesia and a postcricoid lesion is suspected, the patient should receive a Valsalva maneuver or be placed in Trendelenburg position. Most cases of normal variant postcricoid cushions can be managed with observation. Due to the rarity and novelty of the discovery, more research needs to be done on the management of symptomatic postcricoid lesions and differentiating between normal variants and pathological vascular lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To review the key points of the perioperative period management of laryngotracheoplasty using free hyoid grafting in children with acquired subglottic stenosis, in order to reduce postoperative complications, to improve extubation rate, and to promote the rehabilitation of the patients. METHODS: Twenty-five cases with subglottic stenosis were treated by laryngotracheoplasty using free hyoid grafting in department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital from September 2017 to June 2021. Standardized perioperative period management protocols were carried out in all 25 cases. RESULTS: 21 cases were successfully extubated, T tubes of 2 cases were replaced by tracheal tubes which have been sealed, but tracheal tubes sealing was failed in 2 cases after tube replacement. CONCLUSION: High quality perioperative period management of laryngotracheoplasty using free hyoid grafting can effectively reduce related complication rate, maintain airway patency, promote laryngeal function recovery, shorten the period of tracheotomy and improve the quality of life.

A 76-year-old man with dyspnea (initial prostate-specific antigen [PSA]: 216 ng/mL) underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT, with uptake in the prostate, lymph nodes, fifth thoracic vertebra (T5), and cricoid cartilage. A biopsy revealed prostate adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 4 + 5, cT4 N1 M1). On initiation of combined androgen blockade therapy, PSA value decreased. However, 4 years later, in a castration-resistant state (PSA 2.14 ng/mL), CT and bone scintigraphy revealed a duodenal tumor and T5 metastasis. 18F–prostate-specific membrane antigen–1007 PET/CT showed uptake in the already known T5 metastasis (SUVmax, 33.55) and even in the duodenal tumor (16.55). The latter was histologically diagnosed as duodenal adenocarcinoma.