Diagnosis and management of type 1 laryngeal cleft.
Posterior laryngeal clefts have been reported as exceptionally rare congenital anomalies. We demonstrate that type 1 posterior laryngeal clefts are more common than previously described, by reporting a series of 12 type 1 posterior laryngeal clefts diagnosed at our institution over a 12-month period. Typically, type 1 posterior laryngeal clefts are managed conservatively. In our series, 75% of the clefts were treated successfully with endoscopic repair, following failure of conservative management. This suggests surgical repair may be warranted in a greater number of type 1 posterior laryngeal clefts in an attempt to prevent associated morbidity, secondary to aspiration, pneumonia and respiratory distress. We highlight the importance of educating other paediatric specialities in maintaining a high index of suspicion for the presence of a posterior laryngeal cleft when treating patients with suggestive symptoms. This leads to early referral and diagnosis.
Watters
Karen
K
Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. karwatters@hotmail.com
Russell
J
J
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors