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Congenital epiglottic cyst presenting with severe airway obstruction at birth

Journal of Perinatology volume 26, pages 71–72 (2006)Cite this article

Congenital laryngeal cysts are rare with an estimated incidence of <2 per 100 000 live births.1 Most laryngeal cysts arise from the vallecula, aryepiglottic fold or the saccule of the ventricle, with epiglottic cysts being the least common.1, 2 All have the potential to cause severe airway obstruction and death.3 Most cases present within the first weeks of life.3 Fortunately, severe airway obstruction is not a common presentation, with majority of infants presenting with mild stridor, feeding problems, chest retractions, episodes of apnea , cyanosis or failure to thrive.1, 3

We report severe airway obstruction and distress at birth, in a term newborn, caused by a congenital epiglottic cyst.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    M Khashu, H Osiovich, F Kozak, G Pelligra, D Hirsh & J Smyth

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  1. M Khashu
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  2. H Osiovich
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  3. F Kozak
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  4. G Pelligra
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  5. D Hirsh
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  6. J Smyth
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Correspondence to H Osiovich.

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Khashu, M., Osiovich, H., Kozak, F. et al. Congenital epiglottic cyst presenting with severe airway obstruction at birth. J Perinatol 26, 71–72 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211414

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211414

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