An atypical airway cast

Abstract

A 60-year-old man intubated for airway protection after smoke inhalation, was found to have decompensated hypercapnic respiratory failure. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed obstructive airway slough and pseudomembrane, a manifestation of severe inhalation injury. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) was established for stabilization. The airway casts were removed successfully with periprocedural VV-ECMO support.