Massive tracheal necrosis complicating endotracheal intubation.

There are significant complications associated with endotracheal intubation. Massive tracheal necrosis secondary to tracheoesophageal space abscess developed in a 71-year-old man during mechanical ventilation. Elevated endotracheal tube cuff pressures, sepsis, hypotension, and other risk factors predispose to this disastrous consequence.