Post-extubation Stridor in a Case of Intracranial Bleed: Assessing Airway Patency Prior to Extubation Using Cuff Leak Test

Abstract

Laryngeal edema is a common complication of endotracheal intubation. It may range from mild and asymptomatic to respiratory distress and severe stridor leading to subsequent reintubation. It is crucial to assess the patency of the airway before extubation to identify patients with a risk of developing laryngeal edema. To prevent post-extubation laryngeal edema (PLE), intravenous corticosteroids or nebulized corticosteroids appear to be reasonably effective, reducing the need for reintubation by more than half. We present a case of a 59-year-old male who presented with an intracranial bleed and aspiration pneumonia. The patient developed PLE and was reintubated due to respiratory distress and treated with intravenous and nebulized corticosteroids. The patient was extubated two days later after adequate cuff leak test (CLT) results. If PLE causes respiratory distress, reintubation is the only definitive treatment and should not be delayed.