Upper airway abnormalities in Canavan disease.
OBJECTIVE
To describe upper airway anatomical abnormalities associated with Canavan disease.


METHODS
Retrospective case report.


RESULTS
Physical examination and laryngoscopy demonstrated oropharyngeal narrowing, macroglossia, and bronchial asymmetry in a child with Canavan disease. Tracheostomy decreased problems with chronic aspiration and obstructive sleep apnea.


CONCLUSIONS
Oropharyngeal obstruction and bronchial asymmetry are previously undescribed upper airway abnormalities found in an individual with Canavan disease. Tracheostomy is an effective method of managing chronic aspiration and obstruction in these patients.
Francois
Jethro
J
Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa, IA 52242, USA.
Manaligod
Jose M
JM
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017825:Canavan Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007829:Laryngostenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000517:prevention & control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000379:methods*