An unusual cause of stridor: congenital laryngeal web

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Respiratory distress and stridor are common pediatric emergency department presentations.
• Common diagnoses include laryngitis, croup, and laryngomalacia.
• Rare congenital and acquired conditions must also be considered in stridor differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A one-year-old boy presented with symptoms suggestive of croup.
• Initial evaluation focused on common pediatric respiratory illnesses.
• Delayed diagnosis of a rare congenital anomaly was noted.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with a laryngeal web, a rare congenital cause of stridor.
• Laryngeal webs typically present in early infancy but can be diagnosed later.
• This case underscores the possibility of late diagnosis.

Implications:

• Pediatric Emergency physicians should consider rare diagnoses like laryngeal webs in stridor.
• Broadening the differential diagnosis can lead to earlier and more accurate patient management.
• Awareness of congenital laryngeal anomalies is crucial for timely intervention.