A Difficult Airway in a Patient with Nephrogenic Sclerosing Fibrosis

Nephrogenic sclerosing fibrosis (dermopathy) is a relatively rare complication of long-term renal dialysis. The syndrome includes marked thickening of the skin and diffuse fibrosis of fascia, muscle, heart, and lungs, leading to contractures of the joints and limbs and cardiopulmonary compromise. We present the case of a 29-year-old woman who required emergent intubation because of respiratory compromise, and who had had normal airway examinations and intubations before the onset of nephrogenic sclerosing fibrosis symptoms. (Anesth Analg 2010;110:555-7)