Anesthetic Considerations for and Management of a Parturient With Jarcho-Levin Syndrome: A Case Report of Continuous Spinal Anesthesia for Preterm Cesarean Section

Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) is a rare congenital disorder marked by multiple vertebral abnormalities, a shortened spine, and rib fusion at the costovertebral junction. In addition to the typical physiological changes associated with pregnancy, patients with JLS face complications affecting their lungs, heart, spine, and mobility. Difficult airway management, pulmonary disease, and spinal deformities observed in these patients require a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and meticulous perioperative planning. The presence of a challenging airway complicates the choice between general and neuraxial anesthesia. We present a case of a parturient with JLS who successfully underwent preterm cesarean delivery with continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA). After consultation with the multidisciplinary team, which included the Cardiology, Otolaryngology, and Obstetrics services, neuraxial anesthesia via a continuous spinal approach was chosen.