Difficult airway associated with bifid glottis and coexistent subglottic stenosis in a patient with Pallister–Hall syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pallister–Hall syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by hypothalamic hamartoma, hypopituitarism, bifid epiglottis, and micrognathia. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the airway management under general anesthesia of a 15-year-old female with Pallister–Hall syndrome whose airway was compromised with bifid epiglottis and acquired subglottic stenosis. The three options considered for airway management were tracheal intubation, a supraglottic device, and surgical tracheotomy. Tracheal intubation provides a secured airway, but extubation can be difficult. A supraglottic device minimizes airway injury, but it does not completely protect the airway from aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: The patient’s airway was successfully managed using a supraglottic device with aspiration prophylaxis. Airway management devices should be selected according to each patients’ individual circumstances. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40981-018-0158-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.