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Chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis: a rare and difficult disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2012

L G Ledgerwood
Affiliation:
Center for Voice and Swallowing, University of California, Sacramento, USA
P C Belafsky*
Affiliation:
Center for Voice and Swallowing, University of California, Sacramento, USA
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Peter C Belafsky, Center for Voice and Swallowing, University of California, Davis, 2521 Stockton Blvd, Suite 7200, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA Fax: +1 916 703 5011 E-mail: peterb@ucdvoice.org

Abstract

Objectives:

To examine chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis, a rare disorder of uncertain aetiology with few reported cases in the literature.

Case reports:

We describe two cases of chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis that led to persistent respiratory compromise. Patients underwent extensive investigation that failed to reveal a definitive diagnosis.

Conclusion:

In patients suffering from chronic inflammation of the supraglottic larynx without evidence of infection, neoplasm or granulomatous disease, many disorders must be ruled out in order to diagnose chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis, which is a diagnosis of exclusion. We review the literature on this rare entity, discuss current management strategies, and suggest an algorithm for diagnostic investigation.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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Footnotes

Presented as a poster at the American Laryngological Association as part of the Combined Otolaryngological Spring Meetings, 27–28 April 2011, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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