Erworbene Laryngomalazie der Epiglottis

Adult Laryngomalacia: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

This review sought to determine the characteristics of adults diagnosed with new onset laryngomalacia including airway symptoms, laryngoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes. Moreover, we wanted to highlight suspected limitations in the literature.

DATA SOURCES

Studies were identified through CINAHL, Cochrane Review, PubMed, and Scopus published between 1966 and 2023.

REVIEW METHODS

The search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist by 2 independent investigators. A meta-analysis of proportions and continuous measures was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 1121 abstracts identified, 33 articles pertaining to laryngomalacia in the adult population were included. The most common presenting symptoms were stridor at rest (78.3%, 65.1-88.3) and dyspnea with exertion (83.8%, 64.8-96.3). The most suspected etiology was exercise-induced (86.0%, 69.4-95.5), and the most common description of laryngomalacia on visualization was collapse of supraglottic structures during exercise (93.3%, 79.0-99.1). Nonsurgical options were attempted in 87.0% (54.0-99.1), which included oral appliances, respiratory retraining, breathing techniques, and working with a speech pathologist. Surgical options were ultimately performed in 84.2% (75.0-91.0). Complete resolution of symptoms following therapy was seen in 61.9% (48.0-74.6).

CONCLUSION

Adult onset laryngomalacia is difficult to characterize. It typically presents in patients during exercise, with neurological injury, or idiopathically. Surgical management can lead to improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The need for a universal nomenclature is highlighted in this review, as it is inconsistently classified.

Differential diagnosis and management of adult-onset laryngomalacia

OBJECTIVE

Adult-onset laryngomalacia is a rare clinical entity that has been infrequently reported. This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of adult-onset laryngomalacia through literature review and report of a case.

METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar databases were queried for articles published from 1960 to 2019 including only patients aged 18 years and older. Included keywords were: 'laryngomalacia', 'adult laryngomalacia', 'acquired laryngomalacia', 'idiopathic laryngomalacia', 'laryngeal obstruction', 'floppy epiglottis', 'floppy epiglottis', and 'epiglottis prolapse'. Data extracted from literature included clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical management, and follow-up care.

SOURCES

PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

A total of 21 articles reported 41 cases of adult-onset laryngomalacia. Within these cases, 5 etiologies were identified: neurologic (n = 14), exercise-induced (n = 9), post-operative (n = 7), idiopathic (n = 7), and age-related (n = 4) laryngomalacia. Anterior prolapse of arytenoids and aryepiglottic folds was the most common laryngoscopic finding (n = 21), followed by posterior epiglottic prolapse (n = 20). Management included supraglottoplasty (n = 14), epiglottidectomy (n = 8) or epiglottopexy (n = 2). Neurologic etiology required tracheotomy more often than the other etiologies (n = 5, 36% vs. 15%). Three patients were managed expectantly without surgical intervention and reported symptom resolution.

CONCLUSION

Adult laryngomalacia is a rare diagnosis comprising a spectrum of disease. This diagnosis may be overlooked, but association with neurologic injury or trauma should encourage consideration. In comparison to pediatric laryngomalacia, patients often require surgical intervention. Surgical decision is based on the direction of supraglottic collapse, where supraglottoplasty and partial epiglottidectomy are effective interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Airway Obstruction Caused by Mucinous Material Adherent to the Epiglottis in a Patient with a Progressive Neurological Disorder: An Unusual Case of a Condition Mimicking Acquired Laryngomalacia

We herein report the successful management of a condition mimicking acquired laryngomalacia using conservative methods in an elderly man with a progressive neurological disorder. The patient developed stridor and was transferred to the intensive-care unit. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed a collapsed epiglottis during inspiration, as seen in acquired laryngomalacia, with mucinous material firmly adhered to the epiglottis. The stridor resolved after the removal of this material. Pathology revealed keratinized material, suggesting a collection of sputum or epithelial tissue. Thus, flexible laryngoscopy can differentiate the cause of airway obstruction and avoid unnecessary endotracheal intubation in patients with neurological disorders.

Repetitive postoperative extubation failure and cardiac arrest due to laryngomalacia after general anesthesia in an elderly patient: a case report

The authors report a case involving an elderly patient who experienced repetitive perioperative cardiac arrest caused by laryngomalacia. The patient underwent surgery under general anesthesia; however, 2 h after initial extubation, he experienced cardiopulmonary arrest. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved by immediate resuscitation. Four hours later, a second extubation was performed without any neurological complications. However, 2 h later, he experienced cardiopulmonary arrest again. Immediately after the third extubation, 12 h after the second cardiopulmonary arrest, fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed laryngomalacia. His respiratory condition stabilized after emergent tracheostomy. Laryngomalacia should be considered even in adult cases when signs of upper airway obstruction manifest after extubation.

Laryngeal anomalies: Pitfalls in adult forensic autopsies

OBJECTIVE

This is the first paper to group together most of adult laryngeal anomalies or malformations which may be misinterpreted by the forensic pathologist and taken for a proof of violence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A review of the literature, to list the main pitfalls, to explain their nature and their origins.

RESULTS

We found two main categories, the congenital defects and the acquired anomalies.

CONCLUSIONS

The laryngeal region is complex. The pathologist must keep in mind anatomical variations or malformations, but also sequelae of old injuries and iatrogenic lesions. The survey, the patient's clinical history, the findings of the whole autopsy and, if necessary, histology may help to interpret a laryngeal anomaly.