Laryngeal cleft

Laryngeal Cleft

Laryngeal cleft (pronunciation: la-RIN-jee-al KLEFT) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by an abnormal opening between the larynx and the esophagus.

Etymology

The term "laryngeal" is derived from the Greek word "larynx," which means "throat," and "cleft" comes from the Old English "cleofan," meaning "to split."

Definition

A laryngeal cleft is a gap in the posterior part of the larynx, extending downwards to the esophagus. This condition allows food or liquid to pass from the larynx into the lungs (aspiration), leading to recurrent respiratory and feeding problems.

Types

There are four types of laryngeal clefts, classified according to the depth and extent of the cleft:

• Type I Laryngeal Cleft: The cleft extends only into the mucosa of the larynx.
• Type II Laryngeal Cleft: The cleft extends into the muscle of the larynx.
• Type III Laryngeal Cleft: The cleft extends into the lower part of the larynx and upper part of the esophagus.
• Type IV Laryngeal Cleft: The cleft extends the full length of the larynx and esophagus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of laryngeal cleft may include chronic cough, recurrent pneumonia, difficulty swallowing, and failure to thrive. The severity of symptoms often correlates with the type of laryngeal cleft.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of laryngeal cleft is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures such as Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment for laryngeal cleft depends on the severity of the condition. Options may include conservative management with feeding modifications, medical management with medications to reduce reflux and aspiration, and surgical intervention to repair the cleft.

Related Terms

• Larynx
• Esophagus
• Aspiration
• Laryngoscopy
• Bronchoscopy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Laryngeal cleft
• Wikipedia's article - Laryngeal cleft

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