Perioperative management of a child with Klippel-Feil syndrome and severe uncorrected aortic stenosis undergoing cervical spine stabilization

Severe stenotic aortic valve poses serious anesthetic challenges because of the fixed cardiac output and complex hemodynamics. The challenges magnify in the presence of a difficult airway which not only puts the airway at risk but also disturbs the hemodynamics, which can negatively impact the patient outcome. Moreover, prone positioning, intraoperative hemodynamics, recovery, and extubation are equally challenging for management. This case report highlights the perioperative management of a child with severe uncorrected aortic stenosis and Klippel-Feil syndrome posted for cervical spinal stabilization under anesthesia.