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Bifid epiglottis syndrome
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Insights
True bifid epiglottis is a rare congenital laryngeal anomaly causing infant breathing and feeding issues. While often managed with observation, severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- True bifid epiglottis is an extremely rare congenital laryngeal anomaly.
- It typically manifests in neonates with symptoms like aspiration and airway obstruction.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient with true bifid epiglottis.
- The study reviews existing literature on this rare condition.
Findings:
- Bifid epiglottis is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including polydactyly, cleft palate, and micrognathia.
- Endocrine, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary abnormalities are also frequently observed in affected individuals.
Implications:
- Management is usually supportive, with symptoms often improving as the child ages.
- In rare instances of severe airway obstruction, tracheotomy may be required.
- Understanding associated anomalies is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Abstract:
True bifid epiglottis is an extremely rare laryngeal anomaly, which usually presents in the neonate with symptoms of aspiration and/or airway obstruction. Management is generally supportive observation as the symptoms lessen with age, but rarely tracheotomy is required for airway obstruction. Bifid epiglottis occurs in a syndromic picture with associated anomalies, especially polydactyly, cleft palate and retro/micrognathia but a significant number will have endocrine, gastrointestinal and genitourinary abnormalities. A case of true bifid epiglottis is presented and the literature is reviewed on the subject.