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Maturational descent of the epiglottis
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn, USA.
Insights
The epiglottis descends predictably during childhood and adolescence. This maturational descent, confirmed in a study of children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric airway anatomy
- Developmental biology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- A maturational descent of the epiglottis in infancy and childhood has been previously described.
- This phenomenon impacts airway evaluation in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm and characterize the maturational descent of the epiglottis.
- To investigate the changing level of the epiglottis throughout pediatric development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 338 images from asymptomatic children aged 1 day to 18 years.
- Correlation of epiglottis tip position with cervical vertebral level.
- Study conducted at a tertiary care facility.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant evidence (P < .01) of epiglottis descent from infancy through adolescence.
- The maturational descent follows a predictable pattern.
- Descent was observed to continue into adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Maturational descent of the epiglottis occurs predictably in children.
- Understanding this anatomical change aids in pediatric airway assessment.
- Facilitates laryngoscopic, clinical, and radiologic evaluation of the pediatric airway.
Background:
Otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists have described a maturational descent of the epiglottis that occurs in infancy and childhood.
Objective:
To investigate the changing level of the epiglottis to confirm and characterize this phenomenon more completely.
Design:
A survey of 500 images with 338 images selected for the study.
Settings:
A tertiary care facility.
Patients:
Asymptomatic children aged 1 day to 18 years.
Main Outcome Measure:
The position of the tip of the epiglottis was correlated with the cervical vertebral level.
Results:
Data indicate that maturational descent of the epiglottis starts in infancy and continues into adolescence. These results are statistically significant (P < .01).
Conclusion:
Maturational descent of the epiglottis occurs in a predictable pattern. Understanding this phenomenon may facilitate laryngoscopic, as well as clinical and radiologic, evaluation of the airway in children.