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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
[Vallecular cyst as a rare cause of progressive inspiratory stridor]
D Beutner1, S F Preuss, G Quante
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten der Universität zu Köln, 50924 Köln. dirk.beutner@uni-koeln.de
Background:
Vallecular cysts are frequently observed, benign masses of the upper aerodigestiv tract. Usually they appear as harmless and asymptomatic and go unnoticed by the patient. In rare cases, obstructions of the upper airway due to monstrous vallecular cysts may become life threatening.
Case:
We report on a 69-year-old otherwise healthy woman with a rapidly progressive history of dyspnea caused by a pedicled vallecular cyst. Increasing stridor prompted emergency surgical resection.
Conclusion:
Vallecular cysts that increase in size can cause dyspnea due to obstruction of the aditus of the larynx. This case demonstrates the need for surgical treatment at an early stage of pedicled vallecular cysts.
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