Laryngeal cleft: evaluation and management.
OBJECTIVES
Review the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities for laryngeal and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts as they can be a major cause of respiratory and feeding morbidity in the infant and pediatric population.


METHODS
Literature review of published reports.


RESULTS
The presentation of laryngeal cleft usually involves respiratory symptoms, such as stridor, chronic cough, aspiration, and recurrent respiratory infections. Clefts of the larynx and trachea/esophagus can occur in isolation, as part of a syndrome (Opitz-Frias, VATER/VACTERL, Pallister Hall, CHARGE), or with other associated malformations (gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiac, craniofacial). This publication reviews the presenting signs/symptoms, diagnostic options, prognosis, and treatment considerations based on over a decade of experience of the senior author with laryngeal clefts.


CONCLUSIONS
Type I laryngeal clefts can be managed medically or surgically depending on the degree of morbidity. Types II, III, and IV require endoscopic or open surgery to avoid chronic respiratory and feeding complications.
['Johnston|Douglas R|DR|', 'Watters|Karen|K|', 'Ferrari|Lynne R|LR|', 'Rahbar|Reza|R|']
D002648:Child D000013:Congenital Abnormalities D004724:Endoscopy D004947:Esophagus D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D007830:Larynx D014132:Trachea
Laryngeal cleft Laryngotracheoesophageal cleft Stridor Cough Aspiration