Acquired subglottic cysts in infancy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presentation and treatment of infants with acquired subglottic cysts.

DESIGN

Case series seen over 12 years.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral pediatric medical center.

PATIENTS

Eleven patients had subglottic cysts diagnosed.

INTERVENTION

Four patients were treated with rupture with the tip of the endoscope. Seven patients underwent endoscopic marsupialization by means of carbon dioxide laser (n = 5) and by cup forceps (n = 2).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraoperative cyst control. Symptomatic cyst recurrence.

RESULTS

Initial cyst management was successful in all cases. There was one symptomatic recurrence in a patient who was managed with cyst rupture. There were no symptomatic recurrences in the group treated by marsupialization. The mean follow-up period was 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Subglottic cysts should be considered in the ex-premature infant with a history of neonatal intubation who presents with stridor or respiratory difficulty. These ductal retention cysts can develop after periods of intubation of less than 24 hours. Endoscopic marsupialization is the recommended form of treatment.