Upper Airway Obstruction Associated with Regional Enteritis

Abstract

Two patients are presented with upper airway obstruction associated with regional enteritis (Crohn's disease). Two mechanisms for this obstruction are proposed. The first is involvement of the cricoarytenoid joint with the inflammatory process and the second is extensive edema of the upper airway due to submucosal involvement with the disease process. We were unable to find any previous reports of upper airway obstruction associated with regional enteritis. The data from these patients suggests that Crohn's disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic persistent laryngeal edema.