Role of ultrasound in identifying patients at risk for difficult mask ventilation and intubation based on tongue thickness: a prospective observational study

Unanticipated difficult airway is significant challenge for an anaesthesiologist and inability to establish a secured airway can lead to morbidity and mortality. There are many clinical parameters described to identify difficult mask ventilation and intubation which includes obesity, elderly patients, abnormality of teeth, presence of beard, Mallampati score, thyromental distance, mouth opening. However, the ability of these parameters to accurately predict difficult airway is still poor. In recent times, seeking a more accurate method for predicting difficult airway management has become necessary, and ultrasound has emerged as a promising option due to its non-invasive nature, costeffectiveness, and ease of handling. The role of ultrasound measured tongue thickness in predicting difficult mask ventilation and intubation has been studied infrequently.