ABSTRACT

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disease characterised by vesiculobullous lesions with minimal trauma to the skin and mucous membranes. Bleeding, scar tissue, contractures, oedema and lesions that can spread throughout the body can cause a difficult airway and vascular access in patients with EB. Therefore, anaesthetic management in patients with EB is a major problem even for experienced anaesthesiologists. Herein, we report a case of difficult airway management in a patient diagnosed with severe EB who presented for emergency tracheostomy because of respiratory failure under general anaesthesia.

Keywords: Epidermolysis bullosa, nasal fiberoptic intubation, difficult airway