# A Reversal in Fortunes: A Case of Triumphant Retrograde Intubation

## TL;DR

A 48-year-old man with asthma and a history of pulmonary embolism required intubation after a difficult airway situation, successfully managed with retrograde intubation after cardiac arrest.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the successful use of retrograde intubation in a complex airway emergency following cardiac arrest.

## Key findings

- A supraglottic mass obstructed the airway, making orotracheal intubation impossible.
- Retrograde intubation was successfully used to secure the airway after a cardiac arrest.
- The case emphasizes retrograde intubation as a viable option in difficult airway scenarios.

## Abstract

A 48-year-old male presented to the emergency department in respiratory distress, with a history of poorly controlled asthma and a remote history of pulmonary embolus. After failing a non-invasive ventilation trial and numerous treatments for presumed status asthmaticus, he was planned for intubation. During the procedure, a large supraglottic mass was visualized, obstructing the airway and preventing successful orotracheal intubation via video laryngoscopy. Securing the airway was complicated by cardiac arrest, likely hypoxia-driven. The patient underwent a successful retrograde intubation followed by post-cardiac arrest stabilization. This case highlights the technique and its role in difficult airway management.