Ultrasound-Based Prediction of Mask Ventilation and Laryngoscopy Difficulty in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia Using Airway Assessment Criteria

Abstract

Background: Reflex Given the critical role of anatomical airway structures in tracheal intubation, this study aimed to predict the difficulty of mask ventilation and laryngoscopy using ultrasound-based airway evaluation criteria. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 205 patients undergoing tracheal intubation. During intubation evaluation based on the Cormack-Lehane classification, neck ultrasound was performed. The diagnostic value of neck sonographic parameters was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: According to the Cormack-Lehane classification, intubation was easy in 170 patients (82.9) and difficult in 35 patients (17.1). Ultrasound findings revealed statistically significant differences in all parameters, including neck circumference, between the easy and difficult intubation groups. All measured values were higher in the difficult intubation group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that ultrasound is a useful, practical tool for predicting difficult intubation. However, due to study limitations such as the small sample size, further research is recommended. Copyright © 2026 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.