Congenital laryngeal atresia

Abstract

Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly requiring immediate tracheotomy as a lifesaving measure. A case of subglottic laryngeal atresia is reported and correlated with laryngeal embryogenesis. Three types of laryngeal atresia are described. Although tracheoesophageal fistula is commonly associated with laryngeal atresia, one must be careful not to confuse a pharyngotracheal duct with a tracheoesophageal fistula. A disproportionate number of reported TE fistulas associated with laryngeal atresia may result if an accurate distinction between pharyngotracheal duct and TE fistula is not made.

Utility of a Partial Autopsy: A Case Report of Congenital Laryngeal Atresia

“…Symptoms of this anomaly occur after the umbilical cord is clamped and consist of cyanosis, respiratory distress, and aphonia. Attempts at intubation are unsuccessful, and death occurs shortly after birth without emergent tracheotomy [1][2][3].…”

“…Type III laryngeal atresia is classified as a glottic lesion, with occlusion of the larynx by fibrous connective tissue and muscle with fusion of the arytenoid cartilages. The cricoid cartilage and vocal cords in this subtype are normal [2,4]. Relative frequencies of subtypes I, II, and III are 40%, 43%, and 17%, respectively, with the 3 types representing not discrete entities but, rather, points along a continuum [3].…”

Severe congenital laryngeal hypoplasia in a 45-year-old man

“…Laryngeal anomalies vary from laryngeal atresia which is incompatible with life (Gatti et al, 1987;Tang et al, 1996), to laryngomalacia which is the commonest cause of congenital stridor (Zeitouni and Manoukian, 1993). Varying stridor and feeding problems usually resolve by 18 months of age.…”

Perinatal Management of Unanticipated Congenital Laryngeal Atresia

“…A pharyngoglottic duct opening appears in the postcricoid region anterior to the cricoid plate, while a TEF opens inferior to the cricoid cartilage in the esophagus. 9 Although this report is primarily concerned with the perinatal management of laryngeal atresia, it should be kept in mind that airway repair and decannulation may be possible at some point in the future. Severe deformities often are not amenable to reconstruction at all.…”