Interarytenoid osseous bridge after prolonged endotracheal intubation

Abstract

Posterior glottic stenosis or interarytenoid fibrous adhesion is uncommon and has sometimes been misdiagnosed as cord paralysis. Laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography studies are the two main diagnostic aids. We present the case of a 63-year-old man under endotracheal intubation during 10 days after a cardiac procedure who was evaluated in our department for persistent dysphonia. The laryngoscopy showed a granuloma-like lesion in the posterior glottic space. During the microlaryngoscopy procedure, the osseous consistence of the interarytenoid lesion was observed. Laser surgery excision of the lesion was performed with good results. According to our review of the literature, this corresponds to the second case reported.