Neonatal Lateral Epiglottic Defects.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple congenital abnormalities of the epiglottis have been reported and iatrogenic injuries to the larynx and subglottis are well known. We present a new pattern of defect not previously reported in the literature. METHODS: Epiglottic abnormalities at two institutions are reviewed. Cases of defects involving the lateral aspect of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic fold are identified. A literature review of known epiglottic defects is performed. RESULTS: Two children possessing lateral notch injuries at the aryepiglottic attachment to the epiglottis are described. Both children have a history of multiple laryngeal instrumentation attempts and prolonged intubation. Both have swallowing difficulties and are gastrostomy dependent. Congenital epiglottic defects include aplasia and midline bifidity, however, no lateral congenital epiglottic defects have been reported. CONCLUSION: Epiglottic defects, while rare, should be part of the differential for children with aspiration and feeding difficulties. A new pattern of defect is described and iatrogenic etiology proposed.

Delayed fatal upper-airway obstruction due to laryngopharyngeal burns and thermal epiglottis.

A 48-year-old man complained of throat swelling and difficulty swallowing after eating hot food. Several hours later, he collapsed and was observed to be gasping for breath. Bystander and ambulance-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation was unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene. At autopsy, the aryepiglottic folds were markedly oedematous, with adjacent areas of mucosal inflammation and necrosis from a recent burn. Death was attributed to upper-airway obstruction due to glottic inlet oedema associated with epiglottic and laryngopharyngeal thermal injury. Although thermal epiglottitis not involving fire is an unusual injury and is rarely fatal, the reported case demonstrates a lethal episode arising from the ingestion of excessively hot food. Thermal epiglottitis therefore represents an uncommon cause of delayed upper-airway obstruction in adults that should be considered in individuals presenting with a sore throat and shortness of breath, particularly if there is a history of hot-food ingestion.

Respiratory Pathway and Swallowing Management in a Patient With Epiglottis Loss After Life-Threatening Penetrating Laryngeal Trauma.

Laryngeal trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury. Damage to larynx structures may occur in forms of a simple contusion, fractures of the laryngeal cartilage, and may even result in laryngotracheal disjunction depending on the ossification level of the larynx and the severity of the trauma. However, in almost all cases, damaged laryngeal tissue is also observed in the trauma area. Because thyroid cartilage protects the endolaryngeal tissues like a shield against trauma. Epiglottis prevents escape of the food to respiratory tract and directs food to digestive system. In this article, a case of knife attack resulted in deep neck incision with loss of epiglottis in the incision area, the surgical operation, and the postoperative recovery period which had a clinical significance due to loss of epiglottis were presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first laryngeal trauma case with loss of epiglottis.

[Morphological and pathological changes of larynx after severe laryngeal burn in dogs and their relationship with laryngostenosis].

Objective: To investigate the morphological and pathological changes of the larynx after severe laryngeal burn in dogs and their relationship with laryngostenosis. Methods: Eighteen healthy, male beagle dogs were assigned into control group, immediately after injury group, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after injury groups according to the random number table, with 3 dogs in each group. Dogs of injury group inhaled saturated steam through mouth for 5 seconds to reproduce severe laryngeal burn. Tracheotomy and intubation were performed immediately after injury, and 400 000 U/d penicillin was intravenously infused for 1 week. The feeding, activity, and vocalization of dogs in each group after injury were observed until they were sacrificed. Immediately after injury and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after injury, the laryngeal morphology of the dogs in corresponding time point groups were observed by endoscope. After the observation, the dogs in each injury group were sacrificed, and the laryngeal tissue was taken. The epiglottis, glottis, and cricoid cartilage were collected to make full-thickness tissue slice, respectively, and their pathological changes were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The dogs of control group were not specially treated, and their life activities, laryngeal morphological and pathological changes were observed. Results: (1) The dogs of control group had normal feeding, activities, and vocalization. All the dogs in injury group survived until they were sacrificed, and their feeding, activities, and vocalization were obviously reduced after injury compared with those of control group. The dogs of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after injury groups ate and moved normally 2 weeks after injury but vocalized abnormally in frequency and volume compared with those of control group, which lasted until they were sacrificed. (2) The dog's laryngeal mucosa in control group was complete and pink, without obvious exudation. The laryngeal mucosa of the dog in immediately after injury group was pale and edematous, with obvious exudation, local ulceration, necrosis, and exfoliation, and dilated microvessels on the surface. The laryngeal mucosa of the dogs in 2 weeks after injury group was pale, edematous, and oozed less than that of immediately after injury group, and the glottis was blocked by an obviously extruding mass. The paleness and edema of laryngeal mucosa were significantly reduced in the dogs of 4 weeks after injury group compared with those of 2 weeks after injury group, without dilated microvessel, and the glottic extruding mass was obviously smaller than that of 2 weeks after injury group. The sizes of glottic mass were similar between the dogs of 6 and 8 weeks after injury groups, which were obviously smaller than that in 4 weeks after injury group. (3) In the dogs of control group, the epithelial cells of epiglottis, glottis, and cricoid cartilage were normal in morphology, the proper glands were visible in the intrinsic layer, and the muscle fibers and the chondrocytes were normal in morphology. In the dogs of immediately after injury group, large sheets of epiglottis epidermis exfoliated, the epithelial cells were swollen and necrotic, the intrinsic glands were atrophic and necrotic, and the chondrocytes were degenerated and necrotic. The epidermis of the glottis partially exfoliated, the epithelial cells were swollen and necrotic, the intrinsic glands were atrophic and necrotic, the muscle fibers were partially atrophic and fractured, and the vacuolar chondrocytes were visible. The cricoid cartilage epidermis was ablated, the epithelial cells were swollen, the intrinsic layer and submucosal layer were slightly edematous, and the morphological structure of glands, chondrocytes, and muscle fibers were normal. In the dogs of 2 weeks after injury group, the epiglottis epidermis was completely restored, a small amount of glands in the intrinsic layer were repaired, and obsolete necrotic chondrocytes and new chondrocytes could be seen. A large number of fibroblasts, new capillaries, and inflammatory cells infiltration were observed in the epidermis of glottis, and intrinsic layer glands were repaired. The cricoid cartilage epidermis was repaired intactly, and there was no edema in the intrinsic layer. In the dogs of 4 weeks after injury group, the epiglottis intrinsic layer glands were further repaired compared with those of 2 weeks after injury group, and new chondrocytes were seen in the submucosa of the glottis. The condition of cricoid cartilage was consistent with that of control group. The dog's epiglottis, glottis, and cricoid cartilage were similar between the 6 and 8 weeks after injury groups, and no significant change was observed compared with those of 4 weeks after injury group. Conclusions: The morphological changes of larynx after severe laryngeal burn in dogs include mucosa detachment and necrosis, and mass blocking glottis. Pathological changes include epidermis shedding and necrosis, gland atrophy and necrosis, vascular congestion and embolism, chondrocytes degeneration, necrosis and proliferation, even local granulation tissue formation and cartilaginous metaplasia. These results may be the cause of laryngostenosis after laryngeal burn.

Quiste epiglótico gigante: ¿es imprescindible la traqueotomía? / Giant epiglottic cyst: is tracheostomy essential?

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Influencia de las anomalías faringolaríngeas diagnosticadas mediante laringoscopia indirecta en la predicción de la dificultad de intubación / Influence of pharyngolaryngeal anomalies diagnosed through indirect laryngoscopy in the prediction of difficult intubation

Objetivo: Detectar anomalías faringolaríngeas no valoradas habitualmente en la evaluación de la vía aérea difícil mediante la realización en el preoperatorio de una laringoscopia indirecta con el laringoscopio rígido e investigar su influencia en la predicción de la dificultad de intubación traqueal (DIT). Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo en 300 pacientes consecutivos sometidos a intervenciones quirúrgicas programadas bajo anestesia general. Además de evaluar los predictores demográficos y clínicos comunes de la vía aérea difícil, les fue practicada en el preoperatorio una laringoscopia indirecta con el laringoscopio rígido para diagnosticar las anomalías faringolaríngeas. Después, bajo anestesia general y laringoscopia directa comprobamos en qué pacientes existía DIT. Se investigó la asociación de todas las variables anteriores con la DIT, se confeccionó un modelo de regresión logística con fines predictivos y su poder de discriminación se consiguió valorando el área bajo la curva ROC obtenida. Resultados: Se contabilizaron 46 anomalías: 31 alteraciones de la epiglotis (22 epiglotis abarquilladas, 9 epiglotis flácidas o hipertrofiadas), 6 amígdalas linguales hipertróficas, 3 tumores en la vía aérea superior y 6 alteraciones de la lengua. Se encontró DIT en 14 casos (4,66%). El modelo elaborado y sus coeficientes para confeccionarlo fueron: f(x) = 1,322 + (2,173 distancia tiromentoniana < 6,5 cm) + (1,813 epiglotis abarquillada) - (1,310* cm abertura boca). El poder global de discriminación era 0,83 (IC 95%: 0,70-0,95). Conclusiones: La laringoscopia indirecta permitió el diagnóstico de las anomalías faringolaríngeas, y de ellas la epiglotis abarquillada fue una de las variables incluidas en el modelo de regresión logística (AU)

Objective: To determine the pharyngolaryngeal anomalies not usually included in the evaluation of difficult airway, in order to investigate the influence of these anomalies in the prediction of difficult intubation. To do this, indirect laryngoscopy with a 70° rigid laryngoscope was performed on all patients during the preoperative period. Methods: This is an observational, prospective study on 300 consecutive patients who were scheduled for endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia. In addition to assessing the airway in the preoperative period by demographic and clinical predictors of difficult airway, rigid indirect laryngoscopy was performed to diagnose pharyngolaryngeal anomalies. Later, under general anesthesia and direct laryngoscopy it was checked to see if there was difficulty in intubating the larynx, and its association with all previous variables was investigated. A logistic regression model for prediction purposes was developed, and its power of discrimination was achieved by assessing the area under the curve. Results: During the examination by indirect laryngoscopy 46 anomalies were found, which were as follows: 31 abnormalities of the epiglottis (22 omega epiglottis, 9 flaccid or hypertrophic epiglottis); 6 findings of hypertrophic lingual tonsils, 3 cases of upper airway tumors, and 6 patients with tongue disorders. Intubation difficulty was found in 14 cases (4.66%). The regression model found, and its coefficients to develop it were: f(x) = 1.322 + (2.173 thyromental distance < 6.5 cm) + (1.813 omega epiglottis) - (1.310*cm opening mouth). Global power of discrimination was 0.83, with a 95% confidence interval from 0.709 to 0.952). Conclusion: Indirect laryngoscopy allowed pharyngolaryngeal anomalies to be diagnosed, including omega epiglottis, which was one of the variables included in the logistic regression model (AU)

Management of supraglottic stenosis using a novel stent design.

OBJECTIVES: To present a novel design for a stent for management of a traumatic supraglottic web. METHODS: Case report and literature review (PubMed 1964-2013). RESULTS: A 48-year-old man was presented after penetrating laryngeal trauma. He had severe dysphonia and was tracheotomy dependent. He had been treated previously with open reduction and fixation of laryngeal fracture. On examination, we identified an avulsed left vocal fold and a supraglottic web. He initially underwent reapproximation of the avulsed left vocal fold, and subsequently, the supraglottic web was treated using a stent designed by the senior author (R.T.S.). In addition, he underwent later resection of scar tissue to improve dysphonia and then he was decanulated. CONCLUSIONS: There are a few techniques presented in the literature and mostly are adaptations of subglottic stenosis management techniques. Individualized treatment is needed for these difficult cases. We present our experience with supraglottic web treatment to expand the literature on this uncommon disorder.

Pathological changes of the three clinical types of laryngeal burns based on a canine model.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to examine pathological changes of inhalational laryngeal burns of three clinical types: congestive, oedematous and obstructive. METHODS: A total of 18 healthy, male, adult Beagle dogs were randomly assigned to inhale hot dry air at room temperature (group C), 80°C (Group 1), 160°C (Group 2) or 320°C (Group 3) for 20min to induce inhalation injury. Each larynx was evaluated and scored based on the 'clinical scoring and typing system of laryngeal burns at early stage'. Tissue samples of the epiglottis, laryngeal vestibule, vocal folds and infraglottic cavity of the larynx were observed microscopically and evaluated based on a 'pathological scoring system'. RESULTS: Pathological changes of the larynxes of groups 1 and 2 were primarily characterised by slight atrophy of the mucosa and mild oedema of the submucosal tissues. Group 3 larynxes showed two distinct pathological changes: oedematous and atrophic types. The larynxes of the atrophic type showed lower clinical scores (29.5±0.7 vs. 44.3±2.1) but higher pathological scores (18.6±3.2 vs. 13.7±1.8) than the larynxes of the oedematous type. CONCLUSION: Severe laryngeal burns could manifest as severe laryngeal oedema or atrophic change. The laryngeal burns of the atrophic type might suggest an unsatisfactory prognosis, although it had less risk of laryngeal obstruction at an early stage.

Bullet in the pharynx: endoscopic management.

Gunshot wounds of the neck are diagnostically and therapeutically challenging cases and treatment should be individualized and multidisciplinary. We present an unusual case of bullet injury to the neck. A fourteen year old male patient sustained an accidental bullet injury to the submental area of the neck, with no serious injuries to the vital structures. The bullet was found close to the epiglottis, embedded in the pharynx between the base of the tongue and the lower pole of the left tonsil. The patient underwent successful endoscopic removal with no serious postoperative complications. In this paper, this case is discussed, its presentation and management, together with literature review.

Accidental through and through penetrating injury to the neck.

We present the case of a 24-year-old driver who died when a metal pole entered the front windshield, traveled through the victim's neck, and then exited via the back windshield. This case illustrated an unusual penetration injury and the importance of a thorough and complete death scene investigation.

Elusive penetrating foreign body to the neck causing partial epiglottic airway obstruction.

We present a case of a penetrating foreign body to the neck, which was difficult to detect, causing partial epiglottic and laryngeal outlet airway obstruction, and subsequent intubation challenges. A systematic approach with rapid access to contrast enhanced CT scanning allowed successful airway and haemorrhage control, removal of a wooden stake from the patient's neck, initially undetected at primary and secondary assessments.

Epiglottis is not essential for successful swallowing in humans.

Controversy has continued for well over 100 years regarding the role of the epiglottis in deglutition. We describe the effect of isolated epiglottectomy on swallowing success in a case series of 3 adult human subjects with isolated epiglottectomy due to trauma, surgery, or cancerous erosion. The patients were 42, 51, and 70 years of age, and swallowing was analyzed objectively with videofluoroscopy. All subjects exhibited successful swallowing with all food types: thin liquid, puree, and solid food. Specifically, the patient with traumatic epiglottectomy exhibited rapid swallowing success, the patient with surgical epiglottectomy exhibited a short period of dysphagia due to postoperative edema, followed by swallowing success, and the patient with epiglottectomy due to cancerous erosion of the entire epiglottis exhibited long-term adaptation, with successful swallowing maintained. We conclude that the epiglottis is not essential for successful swallowing in humans, because individuals can readily adapt to isolated epiglottectomy and avoid tracheal aspiration.

Displacement of the epiglottis during intubation with the Pentax-AWS Airway Scope.

The Pentax-AWS system is a rigid indirect video laryngoscope with integrated tube guidance. Complications associated with this device are not well understood. We report two cases of epiglottis malposition during intubation with the Pentax-AWS. The standard technique of using the Pentax-AWS system involves direct elevation of the epiglottis for exposure of the vocal cords. The blade tip should be passed posterior to the epiglottis for laryngeal exposure, but pressure on the anterior surface of the epiglottis by the tip can rarely happen even during the correct maneuver. Although the Pentax-AWS provides clear images of the airway structures, it is sometimes difficult to observe the epiglottis continuously because the camera is located beneath the blade tip. Consequently, the view of the epiglottis from the camera may be impeded by the blade tip and may result in undiagnosed epiglottis malposition. The AWS's structural feature and its approach to the larynx can be associated with increased chance of unexpected epiglottis folding. It is particularly important to confirm normal position of the epiglottis during withdrawal of the device to prevent this complication.

Acute thermal ulceration of the epiglottis.

Thermal injury to the epiglottis as a result of ingestion of hot food should be considered in the differential diagnosis of earache, severe throat pain and odynophagia. We report a case of a 48-year-old physician, who developed acute, severe throat pain, odynophagia and earache after inadvertent ingestion of hot food. This case is unique, as the physician performed the endoscopy on himself and diagnosed thermal epiglottitis. The epiglottitis responded to a short course of steroids and antibiotics. The physician has remained symptom free since treatment.

Malposition of the epiglottis associated with fiberoptic intubation.

A case in which the epiglottis was tucked into the laryngeal inlet by advancement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) during fiberoptic intubation, is presented. In this case, pulling the fibroscope, which was advanced under the displaced epiglottis, was effective for restoration.

Injuring potential of drinking glasses.

At a party of a sports club, an argument started between two groups of young men, in the course of which one of the persons involved threw a beer glass hitting a young man of the other group, who collapsed with a profusely bleeding wound. Although resuscitation measures were initiated immediately, the victim died at the scene due to exsanguination from the completely severed left external carotid artery in combination with the aspiration of blood. Tests with drinking glasses thrown at a skull-neck model suggested that an undamaged beer glass thrown at the head of the victim could not cause the fatal injuries on the neck because of its splintering behaviour. In fact, it seemed that the beer glass had been damaged prior to throwing it and that its sharp edges perforated the skin on hitting the neck.