한국신경근육물리치료학회

Cervical spinal cord injuries (cervical SCI) at high cervical levels often lead to severe respiratory compromise, necessitating tracheostomy for prolonged ventilatory support. While conventional tools such as nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy are integral to airway evaluation, their limitations can hinder accurate diagnosis during decannulation planning. This case study highlights the role of neck Computed Tomography (CT) in addressing these diagnostic gaps, specifically for patients with tracheostomy-dependent respiratory failure. We describe a 61-year-old male with C4 SCI who underwent successful decannulation following identification of airway obstructions via neck CT, which conventional methods failed to detect. The findings emphasize the value of incorporating neck CT into routine work-ups to ensure safer and more effective decannulation outcomes. The case underscores the need for advanced imaging techniques as a complementary tool in managing tracheostomy patients, particularly those with complex anatomical or pathological changes.