Unilateral combined laryngocoele with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: case report

Abstract

AbstractObjective:We report a case of unilateral combined laryngocoele occurring in conjunction with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.Methods:Case report and review of the literature concerning the physiology underlying laryngocoele formation.Results:A laryngocoele is an abnormal, air-filled dilation of the laryngeal saccule which communicates with the laryngeal lumen. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with a unilateral combined laryngocoele occurring in conjunction with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Microlaryngoscopy demonstrated a papilloma obstructing the laryngeal saccule. Removal of papillomata via laser excision and marsupialisation of the left laryngocoele improved the patient's vocal symptoms. There was no recurrence of papillomata or the laryngocoele.Conclusion:While many laryngocoeles can be explained by altered laryngeal physiology, the papilloma described in this case acted as an anatomical obstruction that trapped air within the saccule, creating an environment conducive to laryngocoele formation.