Treatment of Congenital Cricoid Stenosis

Abstract

Congenital stenosis of the cricoid is a rare malformation which has generally proved fatal up to now. Excessive cartilage causes narrowing of the lumen of the larynx, which leaves only a hairlike canal posteriorly. In severe congenital cricoid stenosis the child usually develops respiratory distress shortly after birth. In the case of a slight occlusion of the larynx, this may only become apparent on exertion or during an upper airway infection. In most cases an emergency tracheostomy has to be performed because of acute infection of the upper airway. Diagnosis is confirmed with the aid of direct laryngoscopy and laryngography.