Suffocation caused by large vocal cord polyps

Sudden death by laryngeal polyp: a case report and review of the literature

“…In addition to the symptoms and signs listed above, laryngeal polyps rarely present with airway obstruction [2,[4][5][6] or sudden death [3]. It is believed that polyps located on the underside of the true vocal cords hang in the subglottic space during normal respiration, and can be asymptomatic if the free edges of the cords are able to approximate in a normal manner.…”

“…Patients' present most commonly with hoarseness [1], but can also present with dysphonia [1], choking [2], globus [2], dysphagia, odynophagia, dyspnea [3], cough [2], wheezing [4], and stridor [4]. Laryngeal nodules, also called ''singer's nodules'' are more commonly associated with vocal abuse, often in young women [1].…”

Murphy’s Eye: A Last Moment Saviour for Anaesthesiologist In Case of Surgery for Recurrent Vocal Cord Polyposis

“…In the literature orotracheal intubation, tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy had been chosen for the airway management during the operation for the gigantic laryngeal polyps. [7][8][9][10] Tracheotomy was not attempted by ENT surgeon because of the fear of spreading the papillomas distal to tracheotomy site. [11] Considering the potential difficulty with intubation associated with large polyps prompts anaesthesiologist to insert an endotracheal tube with minimal trauma, to avoid tearing off the polyp into the trachea.…”

Obstructive laryngeal polyps presenting with dyspnea: report of five rare cases

“…[3,5] They were sometimes misdiagnosed as asthma and treated with steroids in emergency clinics. [5,6] Large sized polyps can also result in a globus sensation, excessive mucus, and throat clearing. [7] Moreover cardiorespiratory failure and sudden death due to large obstructing vocal polyp was also reported.…”