Laryngeal dysplasia, with a cleft present, is called congenital laryngeal cleft, which mostly occurs in the posterior part of the larynx. The severity of the cleft varies; in mild cases, there is only a cleft between the two arytenoid cartilages, while in severe cases, the entire posterior part of the larynx, or even the upper end of the trachea, may be completely split. The cause of its occurrence remains unclear.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Grade I laryngeal clefts are usually asymptomatic. Grade III laryngeal clefts often present with symptoms such as stridor, dysphagia, choking, dyspnea, and cyanosis. If left untreated, they can lead to pneumonia, atelectasis, and death. Laryngeal clefts may coexist with other congenital anomalies, including chapped lips and cleft palate.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Diagnosis is challenging, especially when accompanied by other anomalies such as cleft palate or tracheoesophageal fistula, making it difficult to consider the presence of a laryngeal cleft. Therefore, for children presenting with laryngeal stridor, dysphagia, or choking during feeding, regardless of the presence of other anomalies, direct laryngoscopy should be performed to assess the interarytenoid region and carefully examine the posterior larynx for any cleft.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Grade I laryngeal cleft, especially those with good laryngeal protective function, do not require special treatment, but eating should not be rushed, and infection prevention should be noted. For Grade III cases, nasogastric feeding should be used, and surgical suturing should be performed as soon as possible after diagnosis, along with a temporary tracheostomy.