| Author | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Shyam Sabat, MD | Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Luis Gonzalez, MD | University of Florida, Department of Radiology, Gainesville, Florida |
| Amit Agarwal, MD | University of Florida, Department of Radiology, Gainesville, Florida |
ABSTRACT
Case presentation
This case describes the classic imaging findings of pyolaryngocele and highlights the importance of prompt imaging for diagnosis of clinically occult airway lesions. The case also highlights how pyolaryngoceles can become large and present with acute-onset clinical symptoms, including stridor and dyspnea.
Discussion
Pyolaryngoceles represent an uncommon but life-threatening complication of laryngoceles. Laryngoceles are frequently seen as an incidental, abnormal, air-filled dilation of the laryngeal saccule related to various local pathologies of the larynx. They are often asymptomatic. Occasionally they can become secondarily infected, in which case they are called pyolaryngocele, and they can cause rapid-onset, life-threatening airway compromise.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 61-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) with difficulty breathing, stridor, and fever (100°Farenheit) that developed over the course of 24 hours. Laboratory studies were significant for borderline leukocytosis with elevated neutrophil count. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the neck demonstrated a peripherally enhancing, lobulated fluid collection with layering debris within the right paraglottic space, with external extension through the right thyrohyoid membrane and severe airway compromise (Image).
Imaging characteristics in conjunction with the clinical findings were consistent with pyolaryngocele. Emergency tracheostomy was performed to relieve the dyspnea, followed by surgical incision and drainage of the fluid collection, which was notable for pus. The patient was discharged in stable condition and was without complication at outpatient follow-up visit.
DISCUSSION
Stridor is a high-pitched breathing sound produced by the abnormal flow of air, most prominently heard during inspiration. Although stridor is more common in children, it can present acutely across different age groups due to several conditions including foreign body aspiration, tracheitis, epiglottitis, and anaphylaxis. Abscesses along the pharyngeal and laryngeal compartments can also present with stridor, however, with a more subacute clinical course. Radiographic evaluation is usually the first line of investigation; however, this can frequently be unrevealing. Moreover, atypical clinical presentation and older age group should prompt the emergency physician toward further imaging work-up in the form of CT. Given the widespread availability of CT scanners in the ED, this is quickly replacing radiographs as the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of acute airway conditions.
1
A laryngocele is an abnormal, air-filled dilation of the laryngeal saccule that communicates with the lumen of the larynx. It is believed to be secondary to increased laryngeal pressures and traditionally described in trumpet players; however, it is now more commonly seen secondary to excessive coughing and obstructive lesions.
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Laryngoceles can be classified into internal, external, or mixed (most common) subtypes based on whether or not the laryngocele is confined to the larynx or herniates through the thyrohyoid membrane.
4
Laryngoceles are often asymptomatic but can become secondarily infected, in which case they are called pyolaryngoceles. These are rare clinical entities, presenting with fever, sore throat, and stridor. Imaging (CT) can identify the pyolaryngocele subtype, location, and extent of involvement of adjacent laryngeal structures, and aid in the treatment approach. Pyolaryngoceles are managed with drainage of the fluid collection and resection of the underlying laryngocele.
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Footnotes
Section Editor: Manish Amin, MD
Full text available through open access at http://escholarship.org/uc/uciem_cpcem
The authors attest that their institution requires neither Institutional Review Board approval, nor patient consent for publication of this case report. Documentation on file.
Address for Correspondence: Amit Agarwal, MD, Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Email: amitmamc@gmail.com. 7:266 – 267
Submission history: Revision received April 25, 2023; Submitted July 12, 2023; Accepted July 13, 2023
Conflicts of Interest: By the CPC-EM article submission agreement, all authors are required to disclose all affiliations, funding sources and financial or management relationships that could be perceived as potential sources of bias. The authors disclosed none.
REFERENCES
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