title: Type IV laryngotracheoesophageal cleft: report of long-term survivor successfully decannulated.
abstract: Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft (LTEC) is a rare congenital anomaly that results from failed posterior fusion of the cricoid cartilage and incomplete development of the tracheoesophageal septum. LTEC presents with increased secretions, respiratory distress, aspiration and recurrent pulmonary infections. The severity of presenting symptoms is dependent on the type of cleft. LTEC is most commonly classified into four types (I, II, III and IV) based on the inferior extent of the cleft. Types III and IV LTEC are associated with high morbidity and mortality and require timely diagnosis and repair for survival. Most patients who survive repair of Type IV LTEC have long-term tracheotomy dependency with minimal chance of decannulation. We report on a case of a long-term survivor of Type IV who has been safely decannulated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St., Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States. owusuja@yahoo.com
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Owusu
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Sidman
authors.forename: Glen F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D020878:Device Removal; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors; D014132:Trachea / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome