Meeting abstract
Mom, why is everyone laughing at me? Unrecognized laryngeal web – a case report
Elvira Kereković Mašić
orcid.org/0000-0002-5383-344X
Gordana Varošanec-Škarić
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb
Iva Bašić
orcid.org/0000-0002-2171-9300
; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb
Siniša Stevanović
orcid.org/0000-0002-6388-1998
; "Sestre milosrdnice" University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Introduction: A congenital laryngeal web is a rare malformation representing fewer than 5% of congenital
laryngeal anomalies. More than 95% of laryngeal webs are anterior glottis webs, with symptoms depending
on the localization and the size of the web, varying from an isolated weak or absent cry since birth to acute
respiratory distress. The initial diagnosis is suggested by fiberendoscopy, but the definitive diagnosis must be
established by rigid endoscopy. Endoscopic surgery – microlaryngoscopy with excision of the web with laser
or cold knife is the most widely performed procedure. In the case of a severe airway obstruction, tracheostomy
is obligatory. We present a case of a female patient, in whom an unrecognized laryngeal web led ultimately to
social deprivation among her peers. Case summary: A six-year-old female patient developed a husky voice
with episodes of mild respiratory distress during early childhood. The patient was diagnosed with the
laryngopharyngeal reflux and paresis of the vocal cord, treated with symptomatic therapy. The treatment was
not successful and the voice hoarseness ensued. Ultimately, the patient began having trouble communicating
with her peers, for which she was advised to seek the help of psychologist and a language-speech therapist.
After years of unaltered condition, she was referred to our Clinic for a second opinion. A fiberendoscopic
examination revealed an anterior laryngeal web. The decision was made to perform an incision and
synechiolysis of the laryngeal web with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Surgery and a long-term postoperative
period showed satisfactory clinical findings and a good voice without any breathing difficulties. Conclusion:
Congenital laryngeal webs are a rare malformation, which should be suspected in the presence of neonatal
dysphonia and early onset of laryngitis. Congenital laryngeal webs may be successfully treated with the right
choice of surgical technique resulting in a good voice quality without any scarring.
Keywords
laryngeal web; anomalies; dysphonia
Hrčak ID:
308085
URI
Publication date:
19.9.2023.
Visits: 375 *