Pedunculated Chiari 3 malformation with proatlas defect.

Chiari III malformation is considered to be a rare congenital abnormality in human with very high mortality rates. Seventy percent of Chiari III is found to be associated with C1 arch defect as reported by Cakirer (Clin Imaging 27:1-4, 2003). The herniation of posterior fossa elements or dysplastic neural tissue is a must to stamp it as Chiari 3 malformation. The malformation is a result of the abnormal development of craniovertebral junction (CVJ). The CVJ developed from the occipital somites and the first spinal sclerotome. The major role in the development of the CVJ is played by the fourth occipital somite, which is otherwise known as "proatlas." The Chiari III anomalies are due to a result of proatlas defect, which results from failures of segmentation, failures of fusion of different components of each bone, or hypoplasia and ankylosis. We are presenting a case of a 1-year 4-month-old female child who presented with pedunculated swelling at the suboccipital region. The swelling was cystic and with pulsation. On evaluation, we found Chiari III anomaly with C1 posterior arch deficiency (proatlas defect). He was surgically managed. The outcome of the patient was good. Despite literature concluding Chiari 3 malformation with an unfavorable outcome, however, meticulous management and good pre- and postoperative care, physical therapy, and follow-up are necessary for good outcome.

A Comparative Study between Truview PCD Video Laryngoscope and Macintosh Laryngoscope with Respect to Intubation Quality and Hemodynamic Changes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Video laryngoscopes resemble traditional laryngoscopes, but they have a video chip embedded in the tip of laryngoscope blade. This enables the operator to "look around the corners" which is not possible with conventional direct laryngoscopes. The present study was undertaken to compare Truview video laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope for glottis visualization, ease of tracheal intubation, and associated hemodynamic response. SETTING: The study was conducted in operation theater in a medical college. STUDY DESIGN: It was a randomized prospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade 1 and 2 of either sex aged 18-60 years who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation were selected. In patients of Group T (n = 30), intubation was done using Truview video laryngoscope, while in Group M (n = 30), intubation was done using Macintosh laryngoscope. Various airway and hemodynamic parameters were assessed and compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, paired and unpaired Student's t-test, and ANOVA test. P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Distribution of modified Mallampati Class (MMPC), ease of laryngoscopic blade insertion, and size of cuffed endotracheal tube used were statistically comparable in both the groups. The time to intubation was more in Group T (37.16 ± 8.23 s) as compared to Group M (29.80 ± 6.75 s). There was a statistically significant better modified Cormack and Lehane (CL) grading view obtained in Group T as compared to Group M (P = 0.025). CL Grades 2 and 3 were not seen in any of either of the group. The mean intubation difficulty score (IDS) was significantly lower in Group T (0.3 ± 0.60) as compared to Group M (0.73 ± 0.86). In both the Groups T and M, the mean heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), and diastolic BP were significantly increased from baseline for up to 3 min after laryngoscopy, but they were comparable between the two groups all the time. CONCLUSION: Truview propaganda cum distribution laryngoscope provides a better glottis view than the Macintosh laryngoscope. Although it requires a longer time to intubate using Truview, the overall IDS score was lower as compared to Macintosh laryngoscope. Hemodynamic changes remained similar in both the groups.