RESUMO
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of laryngotracheal rupture injury and management of related complications. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 patients with laryngotracheal rupture injury caused by trauma, admitted between October 2014 and October 2022. Results:Anti-shock treatment, local debridement, tracheal-cricoid cartilage or tracheal-tracheal anastomosis, laryngeal cartilage reduction and fixation, local transposition flaps repair and phase-â ¡ airway reconstruction were performed respectively on 10 patients. Nine patients underwent operations of tracheal-cricoid cartilage or tracheal-tracheal anastomosis, with five of these were performed by cartilage broken reduction and fixation, placed with intraluminal stents of iodoform gauze fingerstalls for ï¼8.2±1.6ï¼ days. Tracheal reconstruction surgery was performed on 2 cases during phase-â ¡ and both were placed with T-shaped silicone tube to support for 3 months. Two cases required tracheoesophageal fistula surgical repair, and vocal cord suturing was conducted for three vocal fold injuries. Anti-shock treatment was given to one emergency case and closed thoracic drainage treatment was given to another one. We removed the tracheal cannula from 10 patients after surgery and one case was diagnosed with â -level swallowing function of sub-water test. All cases recovered to take food per-orally. Conclusion:Maintenance of circulation and respiration functions is the major target during early treatment of laryngotracheal rupture. It should strive to complete the reconstruction of airway structure on phase-â , among which end-to-end anastomosis to reconstruct airway and broken laryngeal cartilage reduction and fixation are the vital methods for airway structure reconstruction to achieve good results. It is suggested that the reconstruction of trachea and esophagus structures should be performed simultaneously to patients with tracheoesophageal fistula.
Assuntos
Laringe , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica , Traqueia , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Traqueia/lesões , Traqueia/cirurgia , Masculino , Laringe/cirurgia , Laringe/lesões , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/métodos , Ruptura/cirurgia , Feminino , Adulto , Anastomose Cirúrgica/métodos , Retalhos Cirúrgicos , Cartilagem Cricoide/cirurgia , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeAssuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Cervicalgia/etiologia , Adulto , Cartilagem Cricoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Cartilagem Cricoide/fisiopatologia , Violência Doméstica , Feminino , Rouquidão/etiologia , Humanos , Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Pescoço/fisiopatologia , Cervicalgia/fisiopatologia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Ferimentos e Lesões/complicaçõesRESUMO
Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rarely used for the radiologic assessment of gunshot injuries, although it has clear advantages over postmortem computed tomography (CT) with regard to the imaging of soft tissue injuries. Another benefit in using MRI is that lodged projectiles composed of nonferromagnetic material such as lead present only marginal metal artifacts compared with severe artifacts on CT. This case report presents CT and MRI findings in a case with two gunshot wounds to the neck: a perforating wound and a nonperforating wound with a lead bullet lodged in the cervical spine. The decedent underwent CT and MRI before the scheduled autopsy. A ring of radiopaque material under the dermis in the fatty tissue was identified at both entrance wounds on CT, which was indicative of contact shots. The perforating gunshot was clearly indicated on CT by bullet fragments along the wound channel through the perforated 6th cervical vertebra and the fractured cricoid cartilage at the exit wound. The second trajectory, however, was only assumed based on the presence of gunshot residues at the entrance wound and the position of the lodged bullet. The radiologic assessment was severely impeded by the metal artifacts on CT. Barely noticeable metal artifacts on MRI allowed for clear visualization of the soft tissue injuries and the ruptured medulla oblongata. Only MRI clarified the soft tissue injuries of the brainstem noninvasively, which could provide specific and graphic information on the rapidity of death and the incapacitation of the victim.
Assuntos
Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Lesões do Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/diagnóstico por imagem , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Autopsia/métodos , Tronco Encefálico/diagnóstico por imagem , Tronco Encefálico/lesões , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/lesões , Cartilagem Cricoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Homicídio , Humanos , Lesões do Pescoço/patologia , Suicídio Consumado , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/patologiaRESUMO
A 45-year-old man presented with bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) following a remote history of assault. He was found to have a comminuted, telescoped, and ossified posterior cricoid fracture on imaging. Electromyography revealed normal cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscle function, but moderate chronic denervation of bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The patient underwent endoscopic posterior cricoid split with rib graft (EPCS/RG), and he regained moderate vocal abduction and full vocal adduction, resolution of dysphonia, and was decannulated. This report describes the only case of an adult with BVFI due to a posterior cricoid fracture that was successfully treated with EPCS/RG. Laryngoscope, 128:2864-2866, 2018.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Costal/transplante , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Laringoscopia/métodos , Laringoestenose/cirurgia , Traumatismo Múltiplo , Cartilagem Cricoide/cirurgia , Humanos , Laringoestenose/diagnóstico , Laringoestenose/etiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Costelas/transplante , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Transplante AutólogoRESUMO
We present an approach to airway management in a patient with machete injuries culminating in near-complete cricotracheal transection, in addition to a gunshot wound to the neck. Initial airway was established by direct intubation through the cricotracheal wound. Once the airway was secured, a bronchoscopy-guided orotracheal intubation was performed with simultaneous retraction of the cricotracheal airway to optimize the surgical field. This case offers insight into a rarely performed approach to airway management. Furthermore, our case report demonstrates that, in select airway injuries, performing through-the-wound intubation engenders a multitude of benefits.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Intubação Intratraqueal/métodos , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/complicações , Ferimentos Perfurantes/complicações , Adulto , Manuseio das Vias Aéreas , Broncoscopia , Humanos , Masculino , Resultado do Tratamento , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/cirurgia , Ferimentos Perfurantes/cirurgiaRESUMO
We explored the value of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) to augment autopsy in evaluating strangulation fatalities. A literature search identified 16 studies describing autopsy findings in 576 deaths and two studies describing autopsy and PMCT findings in six deaths. Similar cases were identified from our institution, yielding 130 deaths with autopsy findings and 14 deaths with both autopsy and PMCT findings. The presence of laryngohyoid fracture and soft tissue hemorrhage was compared from autopsy and autopsy+PMCT cases. The detection rates of fractures in autopsy and autopsy+PMCT cases were not significantly different. PMCT identified all fractures observed at autopsy and five fractures not identified. While PMCT may not detect soft tissue injuries in decomposed remains or subtle internal hemorrhages in neck injury, it is equally able to detect bony injuries as autopsy and might surpass autopsy in detecting subtle fractures. We conclude PMCT is useful to supplement autopsy in strangulation cases.
Assuntos
Asfixia/diagnóstico por imagem , Lesões do Pescoço/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Autopsia/métodos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cartilagem Cricoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Feminino , Fraturas Ósseas/diagnóstico por imagem , Fraturas de Cartilagem/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemorragia/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Osso Hioide/diagnóstico por imagem , Osso Hioide/lesões , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cartilagem Tireóidea/diagnóstico por imagem , Cartilagem Tireóidea/lesões , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Cricoid fracture is a serious concern for balloon dilatation in airway stenosis. Furthermore, there are no studies examining tracheal rupture in balloon dilatation of stenotic segments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supramaximal pressures of balloons on the cricoid and tracheal rings. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cadaveric study. METHODS: Seven cadaveric laryngotracheal complexes of normal adults with intact cricothyroid membranes were acquired. Noncompliant vascular angioplasty balloons (BARD-VIDA) were used for dilatation. The subglottis and trachea were subjected to supramaximal dilatation pressures graduated to nominal burst pressure (NBP) and, if necessary, rated burst pressure (RBP). Larger-diameter balloons, starting from 18 mm size to 24 mm, were used. Dilatations were maintained for 3 minutes. RESULTS: The cricoid ring was disrupted by larger-diameter balloons (22 mm and 24 mm) even at lower pressures (less than NBP) in six cases. Tracheal cartilages were very distensible, and external examination after supramaximal dilatation (24 mm close to RBP) revealed no obvious cartilage fractures or trachealis tears. Histopathological examination revealed sloughing of mucosa in the areas corresponding to balloon placement, but no microfractures or disruption of the perichondrium of tracheal ring cartilages. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the cricoid is vulnerable to injury from larger balloons even at lower dilatation pressures. The tracheal cartilages and the membranous wall of the trachea remained resilient to supramaximal dilatation and larger balloons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1304-1309, 2018.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Dilatação/efeitos adversos , Traqueia/lesões , Adulto , Cadáver , Humanos , Laringe/anatomia & histologia , Pressão , Traqueia/anatomia & histologia , Traqueia/patologiaAssuntos
Tratamento Conservador/métodos , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Fraturas de Cartilagem/terapia , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/terapia , Adulto , Cartilagem Cricoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Fraturas de Cartilagem/diagnóstico , Humanos , Laringoscopia , Masculino , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/diagnóstico , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Laryngeal trauma is a rare occurrence that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Isolated cricoid cartilage fractures are exceedingly rare, and their treatment is highly variable. We describe a case of an isolated comminuted, uncalcified cricoid cartilage fracture in a 34-year-old man that responded well to novel management with suture and 2-octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive fixation intraoperatively and topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone applied to the airway postoperatively. We discuss the novel application of cyanoacrylate glue in laryngeal trauma and the potential benefits of topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone application to the airway.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Cianoacrilatos/administração & dosagem , Fraturas Cominutivas/tratamento farmacológico , Laringe/lesões , Adesivos Teciduais/administração & dosagem , Adulto , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Ciprofloxacina/administração & dosagem , Dexametasona/administração & dosagem , Fixação de Fratura/métodos , Fraturas Cominutivas/cirurgia , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To examine the short- and long-term histopathologic changes that occur in the subglottis in response to airway balloon dilation (ABD) with different balloon diameters and inflation pressures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective animal study using forty-two 8-month old New Zealand white rabbits at an academic animal research facility. METHODS: Thirty-nine live New Zealand rabbits underwent a single ABD with diameters ranging from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm and with pressures between 5.0 atmospheres (atm) to 15.0 atm. Animals were euthanized on postoperative days (POD) 1, 7, and 30, and the histopathological changes of the subglottis were examined. Three rabbits served as controls and underwent no ABD. RESULTS: The subglottic airway diameter of all specimens measured 5.4 mm. When examining the fracture rate by balloon diameter, we found the following: 0 of 6 (0%) at 6 mm, 0 of 9 (0%) at 7 mm, 6 of 9 (67%) at 8 mm, 8 of 9 (89%) at 9 mm, and 6 of 6 (100%) at 10 mm. There was a statistically significant relationship with the rate of cricoid fracture as balloon diameter increased (P < .0001). All fractures occurred at the anterior cricoid lamina. On POD 1, we found mild ulceration in 5 of 6 (83%) using a 6-mm or 7-mm balloon and in 0 of 6 (0%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon; and moderate/severe ulceration in 1 of 6 (16.67%) using a 6-mm or 7-mm balloon and in 11 of 11 (100%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon (P < .0001). Also on POD 1, we found mild edema in 6 of 6 (100%) using a 6-mm or 7-mm balloon and in 5 of 11 (45%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon; and moderate/severe edema in 0 of 6 (0%) using a 6-mm/7-mm balloon and in 6 of 11 (55%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon (P =.048). On POD 7, we found fibroplasia in 5 of 6 (83%) using a 6-mm or 7-mm balloon and in 1 of 7 (14%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon; and moderate/severe fibroplasia in 1 of 6 (17%) using a 6-mm or 7-mm balloon and in 6 of 7 (86%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon (P =.029). Also on POD7, we found granulation tissue in 0 of 6 (0%) using a 6-mm or 7-mm balloon and in 5 of 7 (71%) using an 8-mm, 9-mm, or 10-mm balloon (P = .021). On POD 30, we found no fibrosis in 0 of 3 (0%) using a 7-mm balloon, mild fibrosis in 1 of 6 (16.67%), and moderate/severe fibrosis in 5 of 6 (83%) using an 8-mm or 9-mm balloon (P = .048). Also on POD 30, we found the mean subglottic cross-sectional luminal area was 23.79 mm(2) with a 7-mm balloon and 29.28 mm(2) with an 8-mm or 9-mm balloon (P = .019). Inflation pressure alone had no correlation with mucosal injury or probability of cricoid fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Airway balloon dilation with balloon diameters that exceeded the airway diameter by 2.6 mm was associated with cricoid fractures. All cricoid fractures localized to the anterior cricoid lamina. Balloon diameters larger than the airway diameter by 2.6 mm resulted in a larger subglottic cross-sectional luminal area on POD 30. Airway balloon dilation with balloon diameters that could generate a cricoid fracture created more mucosal injury on POD 0, 1, and 7 than smaller balloon diameters. The histopathological effects of airway balloon dilation observed on POD 0, 1, and 7 resolved by POD 30. When balloon diameter is kept constant, inflation pressure alone had no correlation with mucosal injury or probability of cricoid fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA (animal study). Laryngoscope, 125:S1-S11, 2015.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Dilatação/métodos , Glote/patologia , Animais , Desenho de Equipamento , Fibrose , Laringoestenose/terapia , Modelos Animais , Mucosa Bucal/patologia , Pressão , CoelhosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To analyse the aetiological profile and surgical results of patients with acquired chronic subglottic stenosis, and formulate a surgical scheme based on an audit of various surgical procedures. METHODS: Thirty patients were treated by 65 procedures (31 endoscopic and 34 external) between 2004 and 2009. RESULTS: Isolated subglottic stenosis was noted as unusual in the majority (27 cases), demonstrating contiguous tracheal or glottic involvement. The major aetiologies were intubation injury (n = 8) and external injury (n = 21) (i.e. blunt trauma, strangulation or penetrating injury). Vocal fold immobility and cartilage framework involvement were frequent with external injury and infrequent with intubation injury. Luminal restoration was achieved by endoscopic procedures in 2 cases, external procedures in 19 cases, and external plus adjuvant endoscopic procedures in 8 cases. The preferred surgical options were: endoscopic procedures, restricted to short, recent, grade I or II mucosal stenosis cases; and external procedures for all other stenosis situations, including isolated subglottic (anterior cricoid split plus cartilage graft), subglottic and glottic or high subglottic (anterior plus posterior cricoid split with cartilage graft), and subglottic and tracheal (cricotracheal resection with anastomosis). CONCLUSIONS: External injury stenosis has a worse profile than intubation injury stenosis. Anatomical categorisation of subglottic stenosis guides surgical procedure selection. Endoscopic procedures have limited indications as primary procedures but are useful adjunctive procedures.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Endoscopia/métodos , Laringoestenose/cirurgia , Lesões do Pescoço/complicações , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Otorrinolaringológicos/métodos , Traqueia/lesões , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cartilagem Cricoide/cirurgia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Lesões do Pescoço/cirurgia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Traqueia/cirurgia , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Cricoid cartilage fractures usually occur concurrently with disorders of laryngeal function. In, particular, displaced cricoid lamina fractures can affect arytenoid movement. However, functional, recovery may require proper repositioning of the cricoid lamina, which is associated with a high rate of, complications. Here we present a case in which an isolated cricoid cartilage fracture with arytenoid, immobility due to displacement of the fracture in the cricoarytenoid joint space was successfully, treated. Our findings suggest that a combination of external approaches with temporary, cricothyrotomy and wide suturing of the entire cricoid framework has the potential to improve, arytenoid movement and prevent associated complications.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Aritenoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Beisebol/lesões , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Fraturas de Cartilagem/cirurgia , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/cirurgia , Cartilagem Cricoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Fraturas de Cartilagem/complicações , Fraturas de Cartilagem/diagnóstico por imagem , Rouquidão/etiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/complicações , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Traumatic tracheal injury via blunt or penetrating mechanism comes with a grave prognosis. Cricotracheal separation is a rare entity among these injuries and even more infrequent by means of penetrating trauma. Resultant airway discontinuity subsequent to these insults causes immense global hypoxia and tends to be uniformly fatal. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to discuss emergent and surgical management of traumatic airway injury. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 28-year-old male who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck resulting in laryngeal fracture and cricotracheal separation. We review the initial stabilization of his airway and detail the successive surgical management of his injury in the context of the current available literature, with an emphasis on timely airway stabilization when high suspicion for cricotracheal separation exists based on traumatic mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent management and stabilization of the airway is critical to survival in the context of trauma involving the neck and airway structures.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Lesões do Pescoço/etiologia , Traqueia/lesões , Prega Vocal/lesões , Ferimentos por Arma de Fogo/complicações , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Recuperação de Função FisiológicaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We assessed the likelihood of arytenoid dislocation during intubation through the application of controlled force. METHODS: Six cadaveric human larynges were mounted in an apparatus for simulating forcible collision with the arytenoid complexes. An endotracheal tube tip probe (ETTP) was used to push one arytenoid complex, and a non-slip probe (NSP) was tested on the other. Increasing pressure was applied until the probes either slipped or reached 5 kg of force. Dissection was then performed to assess the integrity of the cricoarytenoid ligament. The forces obtained by pushing an endotracheal tube against an electronic balance were measured to estimate the maximal possible intubating force. RESULTS: None of the ETTP or NSP trials disrupted the cricoarytenoid joint ligaments, and the joint never appeared to be dislocated. The mean maximal forces were 1.8 kg for the ETTP (after which, slippage consistently occurred) and 4.7 kg for the NSP. The mean maximal forces from an endotracheal tube pushed against a scale were 1.5 kg (without stylet) and 4.6 kg (with stylet). CONCLUSIONS: Arytenoid dislocation did not happen, and gross disruption of the joint capsule or ligament did not occur, even when the testing approximated the maximum force achievable under extreme conditions. Endotracheal tube insertion thus seems unlikely to cause arytenoid dislocation.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Aritenoide/lesões , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Intubação Intratraqueal/efeitos adversos , Luxações Articulares/etiologia , Estresse Mecânico , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Cadáver , Feminino , Humanos , Intubação Intratraqueal/instrumentação , Laringoscópios , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modelos AnatômicosRESUMO
The traditional treatment of cricoid cartilage fractures concurrent with subglottic stenosis in pediatric patients usually requires an open approach with a high rate of complications and morbidity. We present here a case report of a successful treatment of a cricoid cartilage fracture concurrent with a subglottic stenosis in an adolescent patient using balloon dilation. The mentioned procedure reduced the fracture and allowed us to prevent a tracheostomy and its complications.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Fraturas de Cartilagem/cirurgia , Laringoestenose/cirurgia , Adolescente , Cartilagem Cricoide/cirurgia , Dilatação/instrumentação , Humanos , Laringoscopia , Masculino , Sons Respiratórios/etiologiaRESUMO
We report a case of cricoid cartilage fracture with unilateral arytenoid dislocation following a motorcycle accident. This 25 year old male sustained blunt injury to the head, face and neck. He presented late to the hospital with one week history of dysphonia. Laryngoscopy revealed cadaveric position of the non-functioning left vocal cord. CT and MRI showed laterally displaced left vocal cord. Displaced fractures were noted in the cricoid at the junction of lamina with the anterior arch on the left side and at the right side of the anterior arch, along with dislocated left arytenoid resulting in ipsilateral vocal cord palsy. Medialization thyroplasty was performed to improve his phonation. Laryngeal trauma warrants close monitoring because of the risk of airway compromise. Radiologists play a crucial role in early diagnosis and should always have high index of suspicion. Recognition of laryngeal injury is important for initial resuscitation as well as for long term airway and vocal function.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Aritenoide/lesões , Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Luxações Articulares/complicações , Paralisia das Pregas Vocais/etiologia , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/complicações , Adulto , Cartilagem Aritenoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Cartilagem Aritenoide/patologia , Cartilagem Cricoide/diagnóstico por imagem , Cartilagem Cricoide/patologia , Traumatismos Faciais/complicações , Traumatismos Cranianos Fechados/complicações , Humanos , Luxações Articulares/diagnóstico por imagem , Luxações Articulares/patologia , Laringoscopia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Lesões do Pescoço/complicações , Radiografia , Paralisia das Pregas Vocais/diagnóstico por imagem , Paralisia das Pregas Vocais/patologia , Distúrbios da Voz/etiologiaRESUMO
A case of a 21 year old gentleman is described, with no history of preceding trauma, presenting with intermittent dysphagia to solids and fluids for 4 years. Neck examination at rest was normal. However on deep inspiration, the right thyroid lamina protrudes or becomes more prominent. The patient is able to return the larynx to its normal position with manual manipulation. Laryngeal examination with fibreoptic scope during rest and deep breath shows gross rotation of the laryngeal structures for more than 60 degrees on deep breath, with the vocal cords axis rotated to the left side. Management was conservative.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Cricoide/lesões , Luxações Articulares/diagnóstico , Laringe/patologia , Cartilagem Tireóidea/lesões , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , RotaçãoRESUMO
Stenosis of the subglottic area is a common complication of endotracheal intubation and external blunt trauma. Chondronecrosis of the cricoid cartilage is a rare but known complication of neck radiotherapy for laryngeal carcinoma. It has also been reported as a complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation. The clinical and bronchoscopic findings are non-specific and the diagnosis can not be accurately established without surgical evidence or computed tomographic (CT) findings. In addition to technical issues related intubation, multiple anatomic and host factors can contribute to the pathogenesis of this uncommon entity. In this report, we describe the clinical and radiographic findings of a recent case and review the literature. To our knowledge, this is the second case of cricoid chondronecrosis in an adult patient occurring after only a few hours of intubation.