Laryngomalacia in a 12-year-old child after laryngeal mask use

Abstract

AbstractObjective:We present an unusual case of a 12-year-old child with state-dependent laryngomalacia presenting after anaesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway.Method:Current literature on state-dependent laryngomalacia and injury following laryngeal mask use is reviewed.Results:A child who had previously suffered with laryngomalacia as an infant presented with disturbed breathing at night and during exercise. After anaesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway, these symptoms became more pronounced. Microlaryngoscopy revealed laryngomalacic type movement of the larynx.Conclusion:Our case seems to support a more complex, multifactorial aetiology for laryngomalacia, including both the neurological control of the larynx as well as its structure.