Cleft larynx is a rare congenital anomaly. Detection of an unsuspected minor cleft may be difficult, but the pediatric laryngologist should suspect the possibility of cleft larynx from the clinical features. Four minor clefts are reported, three cases of supraglottic interarytenoid cleft and one of partial cricoid cleft. The technique for endoscopic diagnosis and the distinctive features are described and a classification into four types is proposed.
TylerDT. Laryngeal cleft: report of eight patients and a review of the literature. Am J Med Genet1985;21:62–75.
8.
PettersonG. Inhibited separation of larynx and the upper part of trachea from esophagus in a newborn: a report of a case successfully operated upon. Acta Chir Scand1955;10:250–4.
9.
QuanLSmithDW. The VATER association, vertebral defects, anal atresia, T-E fistula, with esophageal atresia, radial and renal dysplasia: a spectrum of associated defects. J Pediatr1973;82:104.
10.
CohenD. Tracheopexy: aortotracheal suspension for severe tracheomalacia. Aust Paediatr J1981;17:117–21.
11.
HolingerLDVolkMSTuckerGFJr. Congenital laryngeal anomalies associated with tracheal agenesis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1987;96:505–8.
12.
GlossopLPSmithRJHEvansJNG. Posterior laryngeal cleft: an analysis of ten cases. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol1984;7:133–44.
13.
HofEHirsigJGiedionAPochonJ-P. Deleterious consequences of gastroesophageal reflux in cleft larynx surgery. J Pediatr Surg1987;22:197–9.
14.
CottonRTSchreiberJT. Management of laryngotracheoesophageal cleft. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1981;90:401–5.
15.
BenjaminB. Posterior glottic pathology. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol1986;12:23–31.
16.
BenjaminB. Anesthesia for laryngoscopy. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1984;93:338–42.
17.
BellDWChristiansenTASmithTEJrStuckerFJ. Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft: the anterior approach. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1977;86:616–22.
18.
OpitzJM. G syndrome. Am J Med Genet1987;28:275–85.
