Cricoid chondronecrosis: a serious complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation

Abstract

Chondronecrosis is a rare life-threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. This case is a patient with a history of severe brain injury, who developed a cricoid chondronecrosis after prolonged intubation. The complication was suspected when decannulation led to upper airway obstruction and was confirmed by laryngoscopy and computed tomography. We discuss the diagnosis of the condition, the causative factors, treatment through a literature review.