Congenital Vallecular Cyst Causing Airway Compromise in a 2-Month-Old Girl

Abstract

Congenital vallecular cyst is a rare entity and may present with acute airway obstruction. This is a case of congenital vallecular cyst presenting with airway compromise requiring immediate management. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of vallecular cysts are discussed as well as the diagnosis and management.

Vallecular Cyst in a 1 Month Old Infant

“…In this case, the major symptoms were stridor and feeding difficulties which leaded to poor weight gain. Laryngolomalacia may co-occur and complicate the condition however, in our case it did not exist [1,2].…”

“…They are observed anywhere in the larynx, most commonly in the lingual surface of the epiglottis as in our case [2]. VC can ocur at any age, however, they are frequently seen in neonates and infants with median ages at diagnosis are 3-4 days [2]. The patient described here was 1 month old.…”

“…Vallecular cysts are caused by ductal obstruction of minor salivary or mucous glands [5]. They are observed anywhere in the larynx, most commonly in the lingual surface of the epiglottis as in our case [2]. VC can ocur at any age, however, they are frequently seen in neonates and infants with median ages at diagnosis are 3-4 days [2].…”

“…Nearly 10.5% of congenital laryngeal cysts are VC [1]. Tsai, et al reported an incidence of 5.3 cases/100.000 live births [1,2]. It is also known as mucus retention cyst, epiglottic cyst, ductal cyst and tongue base cyst [2,3].…”

“…Tsai, et al reported an incidence of 5.3 cases/100.000 live births [1,2]. It is also known as mucus retention cyst, epiglottic cyst, ductal cyst and tongue base cyst [2,3]. Coughing, dyspnea, stridor, failure to thrive, feeding difficulties, voice changes are the most commonly observed symptoms [3,4].…”