Various malformations of the cricoid cartilage produce congenital subglottic stenosis. The elliptical cricoid cartilage first was demonstrated histopathologically in horizontal sections of six postmortem specimens and now has been identified clinically in ten patients. The clinical diagnosis of the elliptical cricoid cartilage, suggested by anteroposterior soft tissue neck films, is confirmed at direct laryngoscopy. Delineation of the precise location, extent, and histopathology of subglottic stenosis provides the basis for rational management.
FearonBCottonR. Subglottic stenosis in infants and children: The clinical problem and experimental surgical correction. Can J Otol1972; 1: 281–9.
9.
HolingerLD. Treatment of severe subglottic stenosis without tracheotomy. A preliminary report. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1982; 91: 407–12.
10.
SchlesingerAETuckerGF. Elliptical cricoid cartilage: A unique type of congenital subglottic stenosis. Am J Radiol1986; 146: 1133–6.
11.
TuckerGFTuckerJAVidicB. Anatomy and development of the cricoid. Serial-section whole organ study of perinatal larynges. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1977; 86: 766–9.
12.
HolingerLDVolkMSTuckerGFJr.. Congenital laryngeal anomalies associated with tracheal agenesis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol1987; 96: 505–8.
13.
WalanderA. The mechanism of origin of congenital malformations of the larynx. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh)1955; 45: 426–37.
