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

Abstract

Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly that is fatal if not quickly diagnosed at birth. Here we report a case of unexpected congenital laryngeal atresia and esophageal atresia in a preterm male infant, in whom prenatal ultrasonic findings were limited to polyhydramnios and duodenal atresia. Attempts at intubation and emergent tracheotomy were unsuccessful. A diagnosis of congenital laryngeal atresia with esophageal atresia was made during a restricted autopsy (limited to the neck). In an era of declining autopsy rates nationwide, this case emphasizes the value of limited autopsy examinations, focused on the region of interest.

Micro‐CT imaging of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome

“…Whilst laryngeal atresia is generally considered to be sporadic 5 (particularly in the absence of associated anomalies), the classification of the pathology is still important, as it provides better understanding of the embryological development of the larynx, allows retrospective comparison of findings with those from antenatal imaging for medical education and may help explain why intrauterine interventions fail to work in order to optimize future procedures 6,7 . Micro-CT in the two presented cases showed clearly a pharyngotracheal duct, which is of particular interest given that the majority of Type-I laryngeal atresia cases are complete 8,9 , and similar findings were seen on histopathological assessment.…”

Partial Autopsy – A Second Thought

“…In pathological autopsy the concept of partial autopsy has been well accepted [1,2]. Based on the history of the case and medical records the pathologist decides on the system to be investigated by autopsy.…”