Subglottic stenosis

Subglottic stenosis
Neck AP x-ray of patient with post-intubation subglottic stenosis, as shown by the narrowing in the tracheal lumen marked by the arrow.
Specialty	Pulmonology

Subglottic stenosis is a congenital or acquired narrowing of the subglottic airway. Although it is relatively rare, it is the third most common congenital airway problem (after laryngomalacia and vocal cord paralysis). Subglottic stenosis can present as a life-threatening airway emergency. It is imperative that the otolaryngologist be an expert at dealing with the diagnosis and management of this disorder. Subglottic stenosis can affect both children and adults.

Types

Subglottic stenosis can be of three forms, namely congenital subglottic stenosis, idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS) and acquired subglottic stenosis. As the name suggests, congenital subglottic stenosis is a birth defect. Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the airway due to an unknown cause. Acquired subglottic stenosis generally follows as an after-effect of airway intubation, and in extremely rare cases as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Diagnosis

Subglottic stenosis is graded according to the Cotton-Myer classification system from one to four based on the severity of the blockage.

Grade 1 – <50% obstruction
Grade 2 – 51–70% obstruction
Grade 3 – 71–99% obstruction
Grade 4 – no detectable lumen

Management

Treatments to alleviate the symptoms of subglottic stenosis includes a daily dose of steroids such as prednisone, which reduces the inflammation of the area for better breathing. Other medications such as Methotrexate is also being tested by patients but results are pending.

Additional images

Pre-surgical photographs of a 31-year-old female patient with subglottic stenosis caused by the formation of scar tissue resulting from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Post-surgical photographs of a 31-year-old female patient who has undergone a micro-direct laryngoscopy involving laser removal of scar tissue and balloon dilation of the airway.