[Clicking larynx syndrome : a literature review and multiple-case report]

A clicking noise in the larynx can probably be provoked in many adults. However, these clicks are not usually associated with pain and physicians are not consulted. The combination of a clicking larynx and pain may severely reduce an individual's quality of life. Up until now, the so-called clicking larynx syndrome (CLS) has not been defined in German teaching literature. Therefore, this article reviews the international literature on CLS and also presents three case reports.

A selective literature search using PubMed and Google was conducted. The Google search resulted in the identification of several patient forums. Three case reports are also presented (multiple-case report).

A total of 4 studies were identified in which different kinds of clicking sounds in the larynx were described. These sounds were typically provoked by movements of the head and/or neck, swallowing or circumlaryngeal manipulation. In forums patients reported many different types of laryngeal clicking sounds, which were often described as extremely irritating. Three patients have recently presented with such symptoms at our department.

The literature published on CLS suggests (although does not strictly prove) that laryngeal clicking sounds are caused by friction between the superior cornu or the top edge of the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid, or alternatively due to contact of these structure with the cervical spine. Seldom do patients report a former laryngeal trauma. The causes of the associated pain remain unclear. The treatment of choice seems to be resection of the structures associated with the clicking noise by thyroplastic surgery or reduction of the hyoid bone greater horn. It is therefore important to inform patients with mild CLS that these clicking sounds are harmless and to advise CLS patients suffering from pain of the appropriate treatment options.