Abstract

Poliomyelitis epidemics of the twentieth century boosted the development of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation which has changed the natural history and extended survival in a wide range of disorders with chest wall and muscular involvement. Poliomyelitis has almost been eradicated from developed countries since the introduction of vaccination. However, challenges keep coming since there are a substantial number of survivors of the disease who need particular clinical care, namely in the respiratory field. We present a case report of a polio survivor attempting to demonstrate that even after so many years the respiratory approach of these patients remains a current issue in clinical practice with noninvasive ventilation as a cornerstone element.