Acquired Subglottic Cysts in Infancy

Objective: To evaluate the presentation and treatment of infants with acquired subglottic cysts. Design: Case series seen over 12 years. Setting: Academic tertiary referral pediatric medical center. Patients: Eleven patients had subglottic cysts diagnosed. Intervention: Four patients were treated with rupture with the tip of the endoscope. Seven patients underwent endoscopic marsupialization by means of carbon dioxide laser (n=5) and by cup forceps (n=2). Outcome Measures: Intraoperative cyst control. Symptomatic cyst recurrence. Results: Initial cyst management was successful in all cases. There was one symptomatic recurrence in a patient who was managed with cyst rupture. There were no symptomatic recurrences in the group treated by marsupialization. The mean follow-up period was 6 years. Conclusions: Subglottic cysts should be considered in the ex-premature infant with a history of neonatal intubation who presents with stridor or respiratory difficulty. These ductal retention cysts can develop after periods of intubation of less than 24 hours. Endoscopic marsupialization is the recommended form of treatment.