XXXIII Anatomical Observations concerning the Laryngeal Appendix

Laryngoceles and Saccular Cysts in Infants and Children

“…The anterior saccular cyst extends medially and posteriorly from its origin at the nonpatent orifice of the saccule to protrude into the laryngeal lumen between the true and false vocal cords (Fig 4). [2][3] The development of the laryngeal ventricle begins dur¬ ing the latter part of the second month of gestation. The lateral and inferior portion of the laryngeal cavity devel¬ ops an evagination, splitting the true and false vocal cords.…”

“…At one point in its development, the narrow ventricular opening of the saccule is obliterated by the surrounding mesenchyme, but it normally recanalizes. [2][3][4][5] Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the formation of saccular cysts, but given their constant anatomic location, these cysts almost certainly result from a develop¬ mental failure to maintain the patency of the saccular ori¬ fice.12 Inflammation, trauma, or tumors may occlude the sac¬ cular orifice with the same result. Thus, saccular cysts may be congenital or acquired.…”

Giant laryngoceles: a cause of upper airway obstruction

“…Laryngoceles were found in 4.2% and the majority were considered to be asymptomatic [10]. Broyles dissected 50 larynges at autopsy and found enlargement of the laryngeal saccules of more than 15 mm in 7% [3]. Micheau et al performed detailed pathol- Fig.…”

From the Archives of the AFIP

“…q q q q q Radiologic Features At US, a thymic cyst appears as a large, usually unilocular cystic mass extending downward, parallel to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Along the anterior third of the roof of this ventricle arises a small, blind, mucosa-lined pouch known as the laryngeal saccule (of Hilton) or appendix (80,81). The mass may extend into the mediastinum (Fig 28) (21,74).…”