Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
Subglottic cysts in a patient with recurrent stridor and respiratory distress
Serap Ozmen1, Umit Murat Sahiner, Ismail Balaban
1Allergy Unit, Dr. Sami Ulus Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Subglottic cysts, a rare cause of infant stridor, can be successfully treated by rupturing them during flexible bronchoscopy. Early diagnosis and intervention prevent serious complications like fibrotic stenosis and the need for tracheotomy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Subglottic cysts are uncommon causes of stridor in infants.
- History of prematurity and intubation increases suspicion for subglottic cysts.
Observation:
- A 15-month-old male infant presented with recurrent stridor and respiratory distress.
- The infant had a history of prematurity and intubation.
Findings:
- Diagnosis revealed two subglottic cysts located below the glottis.
- Flexible bronchoscopy was used to rupture the cysts.
Implications:
- Rupturing subglottic cysts via bronchoscopy effectively resolved the infant's stridor and respiratory distress.
- Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid potential fibrotic stenosis and the need for tracheotomy.
Abstract:
Subglottic cysts are rare causes of stridor in infancy and should be suspected in the case of intubation. A 15-month-old male presented with recurrent stridor and respiratory distress. Prematurity and intubation were present in his history. Two subglottic cysts below the glottis were diagnosed. The cysts were ruptured by flexible bronchoscopy. The child's stridor and other symptoms disappeared thereafter. Early diagnosis of subglottic cysts is important since the obstruction can be relieved by rupturing the cysts with bronchoscope, whereas development of a fibrotic stenosis may require a tracheotomy, with its attending morbidity.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
