title: 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.
authors: University of Iowa, Department of Pathology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
authors: Erica C
authors: EC
authors: Savage
authors: Robert A
authors: RA
authors: Robinson
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Kirby
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods*; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000151:congenital*; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008297:Male