Care of a parturient with preeclampsia, morbid obesity, and Crouzon’s syndrome

We present the case of a 31-year-old woman with severe preeclampsia, morbid obesity, and a craniofacial syndrome who developed respiratory failure necessitating intubation and delivery by cesarean section. Her airway management was complicated by supraglottic edema and macroglossia. Fiberoptic intubation was difficult but successful. After delivery of the infant, tracheostomy was performed to provide a secure airway until the supraglottic edema resolved over the subsequent two weeks. The airway implications of preeclampsia and Crouzon’s syndrome are reviewed.