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Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis presenting to an emergency department

Sarah Catherine Burns1, Paul Leonard

  • 1Department of Accident and Emergency, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. saz34@hotmail.com

European Journal of Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
|October 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a rare cause of stridor in children. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent critical airway obstruction and facilitate treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • RRP can affect the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, leading to significant morbidity in children.
  • Early recognition is key for effective management of pediatric airway issues.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old child presented to the emergency department with stridor.
  • The presenting symptoms were indicative of a potential upper-airway obstruction.
  • The case highlights the importance of considering RRP in the differential diagnosis of pediatric stridor.

Findings:

  • The child's presentation mimicked other common causes of stridor, delaying diagnosis.
  • Delayed diagnosis of RRP can complicate treatment and increase the risk of severe airway compromise.
  • This case report details the typical clinical features observed in a pediatric RRP patient.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for increased awareness of RRP among emergency department physicians.
  • Emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention for pediatric airway obstruction.
  • Suggests that RRP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent stridor in children.

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