A Case Report of Mallampati Class 0 Airway in a Nigerian Woman

Abstract

Mallampati class 0 is a rare airway variant where the epiglottis is visible during routine clinical oropharyngeal examination. Although linked to favourable laryngoscopy, it is rarely reported in Sub-Saharan Africa. To report Mallampati class 0 in a Nigerian woman. A 41-year-old female, scheduled for right modified radical mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma, presented for preoperative anaesthetic assessment. Routine clinical airway examination revealed adequate mouth opening, a thyromental distance greater than 6.5 cm, a sternomental distance greater than 12.5 cm and normal neck mobility. A visible epiglottis was noted on oral examination, consistent with Mallampati class 0 airway. Following induction of anaesthesia, direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh size 3 blade revealed a Cormack–Lehane grade I view. Tracheal intubation with a 7.0-mm cuffed endotracheal tube was successful at the first attempt. Anaesthesia and surgery proceeded uneventfully, and the patient was extubated successfully. We report Mallampati class 0 airway, an uncommon anatomical airway variant associated with uncomplicated tracheal intubation in a Nigerian patient. Nevertheless, comprehensive airway assessment and difficult airway preparedness remain essential.