Ultrasound-Based Prediction of Mask Ventilation and Laryngoscopy Difficulty in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia Using Airway Assessment Criteria Publisher



Borujeni MB ; Honarmand A ; Safavi M ; Nazemroaya B
Source: Archives of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Reflex Given the critical role of anatomical airway structures in tracheal intubation, this study aimed to predict the difficulty of mask ventilation and laryngoscopy using ultrasound-based airway evaluation criteria. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 205 patients undergoing tracheal intubation. During intubation evaluation based on the Cormack-Lehane classification, neck ultrasound was performed. The diagnostic value of neck sonographic parameters was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: According to the Cormack-Lehane classification, intubation was easy in 170 patients (82.9%) and difficult in 35 patients (17.1%). Ultrasound findings revealed statistically significant differences in all parameters, including neck circumference, between the easy and difficult intubation groups. All measured values were higher in the difficult intubation group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that ultrasound is a useful, practical tool for predicting difficult intubation. However, due to study limitations such as the small sample size, further research is recommended. Copyright © 2026 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.