laryngeal ultrasound versus cuff leak test in prediction of post-extubation stridor

Background: Cuff leak test (CLT) has been proposed as a simple method of predicting post-extubation stridor (PES), however due to different cut-off point of cuff-leak volume between previous studies, the laryngeal ultrasonography (US) including measurement of air column width was used to predict PES. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of laryngeal US versus cuff leak test in predicting PES. Methods: The study included fifty patients admitted to the Critical Care Department, Cairo University Hospitals from the period of November 2014 to January 2016, intubated for at least 24 h and examined prior to extubation using CLT and laryngeal ultrasound. Results: Four cases developed PES. CLT identified PES patients with a sensitivity of 75%, with PPV of 50% for leakage volume of 132.5 ml. Laryngeal ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 50% for those patients with air column width before deflation less than 10.955 mm and air column width difference (ACWD) of 0.905 mm with PPV of 11.8% and 14.3% for both respectively. Conclusion: Both CLT and laryngeal US might have low sensitivity and PPV in predicting PES and should be used with caution in prediction of PES.