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Vallecular cyst causing sleep-disordered breathing in an older child

Dylan J Cooper1, Ron Mitzner2, Eric A Gantwerker3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, Hempstead, New York, USA dcooper12@northwell.edu.

BMJ Case Reports
|April 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) requires standardized care. A unique case highlights the importance of thorough airway examination to detect potential structural lesions like vallecular cysts in children.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Airway Disorders

Background:

  • Standardized care guidelines are needed for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
  • Vallecular cysts are rare congenital abnormalities that can cause upper airway obstruction.

Observation:

  • A middle childhood patient (6-12 years) with SDB presented with a vallecular cyst.
  • The cyst was surgically resected, but a suspected recurrence was noted 6 months later.
  • Pre-operative flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy revealed spontaneous resolution of the suspected recurrence.

Findings:

  • Complete resolution of a suspected recurrent vallecular cyst was observed.
  • This case highlights the dynamic nature of certain airway lesions.
  • Endoscopic examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in pediatric SDB.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the need for comprehensive upper airway evaluation in children with SDB.
  • Suggests that some structural lesions may resolve spontaneously.
  • Informs clinical practice regarding the follow-up and management of vallecular cysts and SDB in children.

Keywords:
Head and neck surgeryOtolaryngology / ENTPaediatric SurgerySleep disordersSleep disorders (respiratory medicine)

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