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A case of subglottic tumour presenting with type 2 respiratory failure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 August 2015

F M Egro ,
S Sharma  and
D Baldwin
F M Egro
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK
S Sharma*
Affiliation:
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK
D Baldwin
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr S Sharma, Department of Respiratory Medicine, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent TN24 0LY, UK E-mail: drsharmasanjay@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Background:

Although type 2 respiratory failure is a plausible late presentation for laryngeal tumours, very little published literature is available to support this theory.

Methods:

This paper describes the unusual presentation of a subglottic tumour with uncompensated type 2 respiratory failure.

Results:

The patient was initially managed with biphasic positive airway pressure as a bridging measure while awaiting intensive care treatment and to provide sufficient time to arrange a surgical tracheostomy.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion towards subglottic tumours in patients presenting with type 2 respiratory failure. The positive outcome indicates that biphasic positive airway pressure is a potential bridging therapy for upper airway obstruction and a safe and stable treatment option for patients in respiratory distress.

Keywords

Laryngeal NeoplasmsRespiratory InsufficiencyBilevel Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Information

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 9 , September 2015 , pp. 932 - 934
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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References

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