Non-invasive ventilation in severe acute respiratory failure complicating Madelung’s disease: a case series and management review - Report - MDSpire

Non-invasive ventilation in severe acute respiratory failure complicating Madelung’s disease: a case series and management review

  • By

  • Bruno Gomes

  • Antonio M. Esquinas

  • Fares N. Alwajeeh

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Application of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure

Overview

Expand on the outcomes of the two cases to provide a clearer picture of NIV effectiveness.

Background

Madelung’s disease poses significant challenges in managing acute respiratory failure due to the risk of difficult intubation from cervical lipomatosis. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated these cases, necessitating effective management strategies. This report provides valuable insights into the application of NIV in this rare population, where traditional airway management techniques may be inadequate.

Data Highlights

Revise to indicate that the lack of numerical data limits the report's depth and applicability.

Key Findings

  • Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was successfully employed as a first-line therapy in two patients with severe acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia and Madelung’s disease.
  • Both patients avoided endotracheal intubation, which is critical given the high risk of failed intubation in this population.
  • Challenges included managing complications such as bilateral pneumothoraxes and severe obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Careful selection of NIV interfaces and vigilant monitoring for complications were essential for successful outcomes.
  • The findings support a proactive NIV-first approach in similar high-risk patients.

Clinical Implications

Suggest specific screening tools or protocols for obstructive sleep apnea to optimize patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Highlight the necessity for future studies to validate findings in larger populations.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- Lung-protective ventilation strategy in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a critical reappraisal of current practice
  2. Intensive Care Medicine, 2010 -- Review of Key Developments in Intensive Care Medicine for 2009: Focus on Mechanical Ventilation, Acute Lung Injury, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pediatric Considerations, Ethical Issues, and Additional Topics
  3. Intensive Care Medicine, 2017 -- Timely initiation of airway pressure release ventilation could shorten mechanical ventilation duration in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
  4. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2026 -- GOLD Report 2026
  5. Frontiers, 2026 -- Non-Invasive Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure Complicating Madelung's Disease: A Case Series and Management Review
  6. Intensive Care Medicine — Highlights from Intensive Care Medicine 2012: Focus on Noninvasive Ventilation, Patient Monitoring, Ventilator Interactions, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Sedation Practices, Pediatric Considerations, and Additional Topics
  7. Global Initiative for
  8. Physiological effects of noninvasive respiratory support strategies in adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis - PMC
  9. Frontiers | Non-Invasive Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure Complicating Madelung's Disease: A Case Series and Management Review

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