Laryngotracheal stenosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Laryngotracheal stenosis | |||
| image = [[File:Laryngotracheal_stenosis_001.jpg|left|thumb|Laryngotracheal stenosis]] | |||
| caption = Endoscopic view of laryngotracheal stenosis | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Laryngotracheal narrowing | |||
| symptoms = [[Dyspnea]], [[stridor]], [[cough]], [[hoarseness]] | |||
| complications = [[Respiratory failure]], [[pneumonia]] | |||
| onset = Variable, often gradual | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]], [[intubation]], [[autoimmune disease]], [[infection]] | |||
| risks = Prolonged [[intubation]], [[tracheostomy]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Laryngoscopy]], [[bronchoscopy]], [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Asthma]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[vocal cord dysfunction]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical resection]], [[dilation]], [[stenting]], [[laser therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Corticosteroids]], [[antibiotics]] | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
| deaths = Rare, but can be life-threatening if untreated | |||
}} | |||
'''Laryngotracheal stenosis''' (LTS) is a medical condition characterized by a narrowing of the upper airway, specifically the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). This condition can lead to significant breathing difficulties and may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to various causes such as prolonged intubation, trauma, infection, or systemic diseases like [[Wegener's granulomatosis]]. | '''Laryngotracheal stenosis''' (LTS) is a medical condition characterized by a narrowing of the upper airway, specifically the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). This condition can lead to significant breathing difficulties and may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to various causes such as prolonged intubation, trauma, infection, or systemic diseases like [[Wegener's granulomatosis]]. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Laryngotracheal stenosis can arise from a variety of causes, which are generally classified into congenital and acquired. Congenital LTS is less common and may be associated with genetic syndromes or anomalies in fetal development. Acquired LTS, on the other hand, is more prevalent and can result from: | Laryngotracheal stenosis can arise from a variety of causes, which are generally classified into congenital and acquired. Congenital LTS is less common and may be associated with genetic syndromes or anomalies in fetal development. Acquired LTS, on the other hand, is more prevalent and can result from: | ||
* Prolonged intubation or tracheostomy, leading to scar formation | * Prolonged intubation or tracheostomy, leading to scar formation | ||
* External trauma to the neck | * External trauma to the neck | ||
| Line 10: | Line 28: | ||
* Autoimmune conditions, such as [[Wegener's granulomatosis]] or [[Relapsing Polychondritis]] | * Autoimmune conditions, such as [[Wegener's granulomatosis]] or [[Relapsing Polychondritis]] | ||
* Idiopathic, where the cause remains unknown | * Idiopathic, where the cause remains unknown | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of laryngotracheal stenosis vary depending on the severity and location of the narrowing but may include: | The symptoms of laryngotracheal stenosis vary depending on the severity and location of the narrowing but may include: | ||
* Difficulty breathing (dyspnea), especially during physical exertion | * Difficulty breathing (dyspnea), especially during physical exertion | ||
* Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound during breathing) | * Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound during breathing) | ||
| Line 20: | Line 36: | ||
* Coughing | * Coughing | ||
* Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) | * Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of LTS involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by more specific tests such as: | Diagnosis of LTS involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by more specific tests such as: | ||
* [[Laryngoscopy]] and [[tracheoscopy]], which allow direct visualization of the larynx and trachea | * [[Laryngoscopy]] and [[tracheoscopy]], which allow direct visualization of the larynx and trachea | ||
* [[Computed Tomography (CT) scan]] or [[Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)]] for detailed imaging | * [[Computed Tomography (CT) scan]] or [[Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)]] for detailed imaging | ||
* Pulmonary function tests to assess the impact on breathing | * Pulmonary function tests to assess the impact on breathing | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis depends on the cause, severity, and location of the stenosis. Options include: | Treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis depends on the cause, severity, and location of the stenosis. Options include: | ||
* Monitoring mild cases without immediate intervention | * Monitoring mild cases without immediate intervention | ||
* Surgical procedures to remove the stenotic segment and reconstruct the airway. Techniques include [[laryngotracheal reconstruction]], cricotracheal resection, and tracheal resection with primary anastomosis. | * Surgical procedures to remove the stenotic segment and reconstruct the airway. Techniques include [[laryngotracheal reconstruction]], cricotracheal resection, and tracheal resection with primary anastomosis. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 48: | ||
* Stenting, placing a tube to keep the airway open | * Stenting, placing a tube to keep the airway open | ||
* Administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation | * Administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with laryngotracheal stenosis varies widely and depends on the underlying cause, the extent of the stenosis, and the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life. | The prognosis for individuals with laryngotracheal stenosis varies widely and depends on the underlying cause, the extent of the stenosis, and the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Tracheostomy]] | * [[Tracheostomy]] | ||
* [[Airway obstruction]] | * [[Airway obstruction]] | ||
* [[Pulmonary fibrosis]] | * [[Pulmonary fibrosis]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | [[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:11, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Laryngotracheal stenosis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Laryngotracheal narrowing |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Dyspnea, stridor, cough, hoarseness |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, pneumonia |
| Onset | Variable, often gradual |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, intubation, autoimmune disease, infection |
| Risks | Prolonged intubation, tracheostomy, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
| Diagnosis | Laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vocal cord dysfunction |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical resection, dilation, stenting, laser therapy |
| Medication | Corticosteroids, antibiotics |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | Rare, but can be life-threatening if untreated |
Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a medical condition characterized by a narrowing of the upper airway, specifically the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). This condition can lead to significant breathing difficulties and may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to various causes such as prolonged intubation, trauma, infection, or systemic diseases like Wegener's granulomatosis.
Causes[edit]
Laryngotracheal stenosis can arise from a variety of causes, which are generally classified into congenital and acquired. Congenital LTS is less common and may be associated with genetic syndromes or anomalies in fetal development. Acquired LTS, on the other hand, is more prevalent and can result from:
- Prolonged intubation or tracheostomy, leading to scar formation
- External trauma to the neck
- Inhalation injuries
- Infections causing inflammation and subsequent scarring
- Autoimmune conditions, such as Wegener's granulomatosis or Relapsing Polychondritis
- Idiopathic, where the cause remains unknown
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of laryngotracheal stenosis vary depending on the severity and location of the narrowing but may include:
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea), especially during physical exertion
- Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound during breathing)
- Frequent bouts of pneumonia or other respiratory infections
- Changes in voice quality
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of LTS involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by more specific tests such as:
- Laryngoscopy and tracheoscopy, which allow direct visualization of the larynx and trachea
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for detailed imaging
- Pulmonary function tests to assess the impact on breathing
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis depends on the cause, severity, and location of the stenosis. Options include:
- Monitoring mild cases without immediate intervention
- Surgical procedures to remove the stenotic segment and reconstruct the airway. Techniques include laryngotracheal reconstruction, cricotracheal resection, and tracheal resection with primary anastomosis.
- Balloon dilation, where a balloon is inserted and inflated to widen the narrowed area
- Stenting, placing a tube to keep the airway open
- Administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with laryngotracheal stenosis varies widely and depends on the underlying cause, the extent of the stenosis, and the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life.
See also[edit]
