Cleft larynx is a rare congenital anomaly becoming recognized and reported with increasing frequency. While it is most commonly associated with aspiration in newborns, airway obstruction can occur. We report two cases of upper airway obstruction due to a soft tissue mass related to the cleft. Since endoscopic findings of cleft larynx are subtle and easily overlooked, the technique of direct laryngoscopy is extremely important. In addition to recognition of the condition, embryology and treatment are also discussed.
CottonRTSpanierJT. Management of laryngotracheoesophageal cleft. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1981; 90: 401–5.
2.
BurroughsNLeapeLL. Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft: Report of a case successfully treated and a review of the literature. Pediatrics1974; 53: 516–22.
3.
BlumbergJBStevensonJKLemireRJBoydenEA. Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, the embryologic implications: Review of the literature. Surgery1965; 57: 559–66.
CohenSR. Posterior cleft larynx associated with hamartoma. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1984; 93: 443–6.
6.
HisW. Anatomie menschlicher embryonen. III. Zur Geschichte der Organe. Leipzig, E Germany, Vogel: 1885: 12–9.
7.
StreeterGL. Development horizons in human embryos. Description of age groups xv, xvi, xvii and xviii. Contrib Embryol1948; 32: 133–203.
8.
SmithEI. The early development of the trachea and esophagus in relation to atresia of the esophagus and tracheoesophageal fistula. Contrib Embryol1957; 36: 41–57.
9.
O'RahillyRMüllerF. Respiratory and alimentary relations in staged human embryos. New embryological data and congenital anomalies. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1984; 93: 421–9.
10.
DelahuntyJECherryJ. Congenital laryngeal cleft. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1969; 78: 96–106.
11.
LimTASpanierSSKohutRI. Laryngeal clefts: A histopathologic study and review. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1979; 88: 837–45.
12.
BellDWChristiansenTASmithTEJrStuckerFJ. Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft: The anterior approach. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1977; 86: 616–22.
13.
ZacharyRBEmeryJL. Failure of separation of larynx and trachea from esophagus: Persistent esophagotrachea. Surgery1961; 49: 525–9.
IngallsTHPrindleRA. Oesophageal atresia. N Engl J Med1949; 240: 987.
21.
PetterssonG. Inhibited separation of the larynx and upper part of the trachea from the esophagus in a newborn. Report of a case successfully operated upon. Acta Chir Scand1955; 10: 250–4.
22.
WelchRGHusainOAN. Atresia of the esophagus with common tracheoesophageal tube. Arch Dis Child1958; 33: 367–70.
23.
CohenSR. Cleft larynx: A report of seven cases. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1975; 84: 747–56.