An unusual cause of obstructive sleep apnoea

Rhabdomyoma of the larynx is a rare condition, with less than 40 cases recorded worldwide.

A 76-year-old man was referred to our clinic with progressive, severe hoarseness and dysphagia. He had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea by the respiratory physicians and commenced on nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Transnasal laryngoscopy revealed bilaterally enlarged tissue in the region of the arytenoids; biopsies revealed the (previously unreported) diagnosis of bilateral, synchronous rhabdomyoma of the arytenoids. Following multiple debulking surgical procedures and a tracheostomy, the patient's condition began to improve.

We describe the clinical picture, diagnosis and subsequent management of this patient, and also reproduce the histopathological and radiological images that aided our diagnosis. We also review reported cases of rhabdomyoma of the larynx, including their location, management and outcome.