Fragmented, distorted cricoid cartilage: an acquired abnormality

This paper reports the identification of the fragmented, distorted cricoid cartilage. The laryngeal findings in four patients with this acquired abnormality are presented. The postmortem whole organ serial section of their larynges is described and illustrated with horizontal sections from the Laryngeal Development Laboratory in Chicago. The histopathologic sequence, pathogenesis, and clinical relevance are elucidated.