Anterior Cricoid Abscess with a Posterior Granuloma: A Dual Pathology

Cricoid abscesses are rare, typically occurring in the posterior part of the cricoid and are often life-threatening. In this paper, we describe the first reported case of an anterior cricoid abscess and discuss our management.

A 60-year-old lady presented with dyspnoea for 2 days and progressive hoarseness for 8 months. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a posterior soft tissue thickening and an anterior subglottic collection. The patient underwent endoscopic excision of the granuloma and drainage of the abscess. She completed 3 weeks of oral ciprofloxacin. Subsequent follow-up revealed a patent airway.

We were highly suspicious, as stridor is unlikely to be caused solely by a posterior granuloma. Clinicians should remain alert to the possibility of a second pathology, and early imaging should be performed when clinically indicated. The rarity of a cricoid abscess necessitates a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. In this case, progressive laryngeal lumen narrowing caused by posterior granuloma and cricoid abscess facilitated early symptom detection and timely management, thereby averting tracheostomy.