Subglottic cyst as an unusual cause of stridor in pediatric patients. Literature review and case report

Abstract

Stridor corresponds to a highly frequent sign; however, it is heterogeneous and nonspecific. There are multiple causes that are widely known and managed by the otorhinolaryngolo­gist. Subglottic cysts are an infrequent entity of stridor in pediatric patients, where the most frequently affected population are childrens with history of prematurity and intubation for long periods. It’s clinical manifestations are wide, from asymptomatic cases to patients with imminent risk of airway loss. Their manifestation its often after long periods after the moment of intubation. The management often involves surgery, and the main associated complication is subglottic stenosis and recurrences. We present the case of a preschool girl with an episode of rapidly progressive stridor and respiratory distress; whose intraoperative diagnosis was bilateral subglottic submucosal cysts that required surgical resolution.