[Congenital laryngeal stenosis; a rare cause of dyspnea in the newborn infant].

Congenital laryngeal obstruction is a rare but serious cause of severe, often fatal, post partum asphyxia. The condition should be recognized and in most cases an artificial airway has to be established immediately because hypoxia allows little time for extensive evaluation. Thereafter a further diagnostic procedure by means of laryngobronchoscopy and contrast laryngography should be performed. The clinical picture of two cases with a congenital laryngeal stenosis is described and the initial therapeutic approach is discussed.