Laryngeal perichondritis and abscess.

Primary infection of the laryngeal cartilages has become rare in the antibiotic era. However, trauma, irradiation, a foreign body, or cancer may initiate the infection, particularly in the immunocompromised patient. We encountered three cases of perichondritis and abscess associated with airway intubation, nasogastric intubation, and external beam radiotherapy. Laryngeal perichondritis and abscess remain serious potential causes of laryngeal deformity and dysfunction.