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Laryngeal papilomatosis presenting with acute upper airway obstruction
H Yashua Alkali1, C B D Amoah, Mu'uta Ibrahim
1Department of Pediatrics, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. yashuaa@yahoo.com
Insights
A child experienced sudden breathing difficulty due to a papillomatous growth obstructing the airway. Surgical removal led to a full recovery, highlighting effective treatment for this rare pediatric respiratory obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Airway obstruction in children can present with diverse symptoms.
- Papillomatous growths are a rare but serious cause of pediatric respiratory distress.
Observation:
- A six-year-old boy presented with acute dyspnea, cough, and a foreign body sensation.
- Clinical examination revealed severe, positional respiratory distress with diminished breath sounds.
- Imaging showed bilateral lung hyperinflation, with a normal thoracic inlet.
Findings:
- Direct laryngoscopy identified an extensive papillomatous growth occluding the glottis.
- Surgical excision of the glottic mass was performed.
- Histopathology confirmed the papillomatous nature of the growth.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing glottic papillomas.
- Complete excision can lead to excellent patient outcomes and recovery.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare airway pathologies in pediatric respiratory distress.
Abstract:
A six year old boy who presented with sudden onset of difficulty in breathing following a week's history of cough and a sensation of foreign body in the throat. On clinical examination he was in severe respiratory distress with markedly diminished breath sounds bilaterally. Respiratory distress was positional with some relief observed with change in position. A CT scan done showed normal thoracic inlet and a chest X-ray showed hyperinflation of the lungs bilaterally. Direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia revealed an extensive mass of papilomatous growth occluding the glottis; this was excised and processed in the histopathology Laboratory. Patient recovered fully and was discharged from the hospital two days after surgery in excellent condition. A monthly follow up for six months after discharge was uneventful, with no recurrence.
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