[Acute respiratory obstruction caused by laryngeal rheumatoid arthritis]

We present a case of acute upper airway obstruction due to cricoarytenoid arthritis in severe rheumatoid arthritis. Although laryngeal involvement is common in severe rheumatoid arthritis, the upper airway obstruction is a very rare complication. The endotracheal intubation may be very difficult in these patients, thus fiberotopic bronchoscopy may be useful. Surgery is the final treatment.