Congenital Laryngeal Lesions: Pathology Study Using Serial Macrosections and Review of the Literature

Abstract

This description of congenital laryngeal lesions is presented with a focus on the information derived from the specimens collected for the Laryngeal Development Laboratory at the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago from 1975 to 1992. During this period, 115 laryngeal specimens were obtained, 33 of which were found to have congenital laryngeal anomalies. Two specimens are thought to have laryngomalacia; 4, thyroid cartilage anomalies; 1, absence of the epiglottis; and 29, cricoid cartilage deformities. of the cricoid cartilage deformities, 1 had large anterior lamina; 1, generalized thickening; 8, elliptical shape; 4, flattened shape; 8, occult cleft larynx; 1, partial cricoid cleft; 3, complete cricoid cleft; and 8, fragmented or distorted shape. Some specimens have more than one type of anomaly.

Key Words:

• absence of the epiglottis
• congenital laryngeal anomalies
• cricoid cartilage deformities
• laryngomalacia
• normal laryngeal anatomy
• thyroid cartilage anomalies