Assessment of Human Leukocyte Antigen Differences between Smokers with Reinke's Edema and Those with Laryngeal Cancer.

Introduction: The present study aimed to assess human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing differences between smokers with Reinke's edema and those with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Materials and Methods: The HLA class I, II alleles were examined in 76 unrelated Iranian patients using low-resolution polymerase chain reaction with the sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method. Results: The frequency of the HLA-A*36 allele and HLA-B*35 was significantly higher in patients with SCC. The frequency of HLA-DRB1*01 alleles in Reinke's edema was significantly higher, as compared to that in others. In the volunteer group, HLA-DRB1*13 and HLA-DRB1*15 were significantly higher. Conclusions: As evidenced by the obtained results, HLA-A*36 was significantly higher in SCC, as compared to that in volunteers and Reinke's edema patients. It can be concluded that being positive for HLA-A*36 increases the chance of SCC by three times. This result should be further investigated in cohort studies conducted on larger samples. Furthermore, HLA-A*24 was significantly higher in the volunteer group, as compared to that in other groups. The HLADRB1*01 was remarkably higher in Reinke's edema, as compared to that in SCC.

Molecular Characterization of Fungal Colonization on the Provox™ Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis in Post Laryngectomy Patients.

BACKGROUND: Tracheoesophageal voice prostheses (TVPs) have been the gold standard in rehabilitation, after laryngectomy, producing faster and premier voicing towards esophageal speech. Fungal colonization shortens the device's lifetime and leads to prosthesis dysfunction, leakage, and subsequent respiratory infection. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the fungal colonization patterns and to propose prophylactic measures that shall increase the longevity of voice prosthesis. METHODS: Failed TVPs were removed - due to leakage and/or aspiration - from 66 post laryngectomy patients and examined. They were referred to Amiralam and Rasoul Hospital, the main centers of Ear, Nose, and Throat in Tehran, Iran from April 2018 to January 2020. Fungal colonization patterns were assessed using DNA sequencing techniques. Furthermore, the susceptibility to fluconazole, amphotericin B, nystatin, and white vinegar was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. RESULTS: Resident fungal species from the upper airways colonized all the 66 TVPs (100%). Diabetes (31%) and smoking (98%) were the predominant underlying disease and predisposing factors, respectively. Among the 79 fungal agents isolated from the 66 TVPs, Candida glabrata (n=25, 31.7%) was the most common. A significant reduction in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were observed for white vinegar when used alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: White vinegar at a very low concentration could decrease the amount of fungal colonization on TVPs without any adverse effects; its wide accessibility and affordability ensure a decrease in the overall health cost.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block with the Traditional Method for Direct Laryngoscopic Biopsy of Supraglottic Masses: A Clinical Trial.

Background: A bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) can provide complete anesthesia for laryngeal sampling and by providing this block we can manage the biopsy of supraglottic masses without the complications of general anesthesia. Objectives: This study aimed to compare 2 superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) methods using ultrasound and the traditional method for direct laryngoscopic surgery for the biopsy of supraglottic masses. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 50 patients undergoing supraglottic laryngeal mass biopsy under direct laryngoscopy were divided into 2 groups. The first group was anatomical landmark bilateral SLNB (C group), and the second group was sono-guided bilateral SLNB (U group). Hemodynamic changes, pain, oxygen desaturation, surgeon satisfaction, and the complication obtained and noted. Results: There was no significant difference in the success rate of the procedure (P = 0.99), as well as the surgeon's satisfaction with the procedure (P = 0.337). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation, and their changes in the studied groups were compared before the block, after the block, after the biopsy, and in the recovery room, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Only the heart rate (HR) after the biopsy and in the recovery room showed significant differences between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the level of patient and surgeon satisfaction and pain during and after the procedure (P > 0.005). Conclusions: SLNB for direct laryngoscopic surgery for biopsy of supraglottic masses using ultrasound was not significantly superior to the traditional method, and there was no significant difference between the 2 methods in terms of procedure success, surgeon's satisfaction, and patients' pain.

Use of Supraclavicular Flap by End to Side Technique in Pharyngeal SCC: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, conservation laryngeal surgeries, including partial pharyngectomy, have been introduced as an alternative procedure for selected cases of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Reconstruction of these defects presents a considerable challenge for the surgeon after partial pharyngectomy due to its circumferential nature. In this case report, we represent the innovative "End to side" technique to reconstruct hypopharyngeal defect using the rolled supraclavicular flap after laryngeal-preserving partial pharyngectomy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 70-year-old female presented with a history of progressive dysphagia and odynophagia. The evaluations revealed a T3N0M0 SCC of pyriform sinus. The mass was successfully resected through partial pharyngectomy, and the hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction was achieved using the rolled supraclavicular flap via the "End to side" technique. The patient was discharged after decannulation on day 10. The 3-week barium swallow was performed with no evidence of anastomotic leakage, and the oral feeding was started after NG tube removal. At week 5, complete movement of the true vocal cord on the one side and good phonation and deglutition was observed. There was no evidence of recurrence after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal-preserving partial pharyngectomy and hypopharyngeal reconstruction with the rolled supraclavicular flap via the "End to side" technique could lead to good oncological and functional outcomes in selected cases of pyriform sinus.

Anesthesia for laryngotracheal reconstruction in a child with single ventricle.

The number of children with congenital heart requiring anesthetic care is increasing. We describe the anesthetic management of a child with single ventricle candidate for laryngotracheal reconstruction. The patient suffered from severe subglottic stenosis due to prolonged intubation following Glenn shunt procedure. Anesthetic considerations in the care of patients with single ventricle for non-cardiac surgeries are reviewed. Particular concerns in the airway management of children with severe subglottic stenosis and during the tracheal surgery are also reviewed.

Gastric pull-up with laryngeal preservation of the primary synovial sarcoma of the esophagus: A case report.

In patients who require a gastric pull-up, despite bilateral injury to the vocal cords and regurgitation, preservation of the larynx can improve their quality of life.

Effect of Low-Pressure Drainage Suction on Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is one of the most severe multifactorial complications following laryngectomy. The current study aimed at determining the effect of a low-pressure vacuum drain on the incidence of PCF after total laryngectomy. METHODS: The current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 35 patients undergoing total laryngectomy in Hazrat Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The subjects were divided into the vacuum drain (n = 15) and control (without vacuum drain) (n = 20) groups. The incidence of PCF and the recovery time were recorded. RESULTS: The rate of PCF formation from the stoma and wound edges was significantly lower in the low-pressure vacuum drain group than in the control group (6.7% vs 40%) (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in time to recovery from PCF. CONCLUSION: The low-pressure vacuum drain method is effective in reducing the incidence of PCF after total laryngectomy.

Emergency Tracheostomy in Two Airway Trauma Patients Suspected of COVID-19: A Case Report.

Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and became a pandemic on Mar 11, according to the World Health Organization report. In the epidemic of COVID-19, many patients admitted to hospitals for other reasons may be silent carriers of COVID-19 and have the risk of infecting medical personnel. Thus, meticulous personal protection measures should be considered in suspicious patients, especially when close contact with the patient's airway is anticipated. We introduce two airway trauma patients suspected of COVID-19 who required emergency tracheostomy. Patient one was a 29-year-old man who suffered facial trauma following a car accident. A chest CT scan showed peripheral ground-glass opacities suggestive for COVID-19. The second patient was a young elevator mechanic who experienced maxillofacial trauma after an elevator crash. The methods of anesthesia and airway protection and safety precautions are described.

Transoral Laser-Assisted Total Laryngectomy: Expanding the TLM's World.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of laryngeal transoral procedures has created a shift in the treatment of laryngeal cancers towards the primary surgical management of patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of the transoral laser-assisted total laryngectomy (TLM-TL) in advanced laryngeal cancer. Case presentation. In this case report, we describe a case of a 50-year-old male patient presented to the otorhinolaryngology clinic with a history of hoarseness and odynophagia since 6 months. Based on the pathological and imaging findings, the diagnosis of stage IVa laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with the involvement of the base, tongue, and left palatine tonsil was made for the patient, and transoral total laryngectomy with partial glossectomy via the TLM technique was planned. RESULT: The tumor was successfully resected by TLM-TL with clear surgical margins. No complication was observed after the surgery. Good functional recovery was obtained regarding swallowing and speech. The patient's oncologic and functional outcomes were evaluated for 2 years. Everything was satisfactory with good long-term cosmetic and laryngopharyngeal functional outcome and no sign of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: TLM-TL is a minimally invasive and cost-benefit endoscopic surgical procedure feasible in advanced laryngeal cancer with good long-term oncological and functional outcome. It could limit postoperative complications, mainly the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulae. It is also associated with better satisfaction after TL due to cosmetic benefits.

Local eosinophils are associated with increased IgA subclass levels in the sinonasal mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyp patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) describes an inflammatory condition affecting the sinonasal mucosa. As the immune system players such as immunoglobulins play prominent roles in the development of CRS, we aimed to investigate the expression of IgA subclasses and factors involved in IgA class switching in the sinonasal mucosa of CRS patients. METHODS: Specimens were collected from the sinonasal mucosa of the healthy controls and CRS patients. Histological assessments were performed by H&E and immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR and ELISA methods were applied to measure gene expression and protein levels extracted from tissue samples, respectively. RESULTS: We observed that total IgA and subclass-positive cells were higher in the patient groups than controls. There was a significant correlation between the number of eosinophils and total IgA and subclasses-positive cells (Pv < 0.0001). The expression of CXCL13, BAFF, AID, and germline transcripts were increased in CRSwNP patients. In contrast to IgA2 levels, IgA1 levels were significantly increased in the sinonasal tissue of CRSwNP patients (Pv < 0.01). TGF-ß was significantly elevated in the sinonasal tissue of patients with CRSsNP. CONCLUSIONS: Increased protein levels of IgA subclasses and related antibody-producing cells were associated with elevated eosinophils in CRSwNP patients which may result in eosinophil pathological functions. Several therapeutic approaches might be developed to modulate the IgA production to ameliorate the inflammatory mechanisms in CRSwNP patients.

"End to Side Technique": More organ preservation with less morbidity in patients with pyriform sinus apex SCC.

INTRODUCTION: Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare, but highly aggressive. Due to the advanced stage of this cancer at the time of diagnosis, radical surgery with reconstruction of pharynx is the standard care with high morbidity and mortality rate. A safer partial pharyngectomy could also be used for invasive hypopharyngeal cancer. In this study, we investigated the short and long-term outcomes in patients with SCC of the pyriform sinus apex undergoing standard partial pharyngectomy using a new suturing technique, called end to side technique. METHODS: This case series was performed on 8 patients with SCC of the pyriform sinus apex at the otorhinolaryngology clinic. All participants underwent standard partial pharyngectomy using "end to side technique". Post-operative evaluations included 6 and 12 months CT scan and 1-year barium swallow. RESULTS: Of 8 patients, 7 were male (87.5%) and 1 was female (12.5%) with a mean age of 60 years old. All patients were diagnosed at stage III of hypopharyngeal cancer and cervical lymph node involvement was reported in 3 patients (37.5%). Tumor margins were negative in all patients. Fistula was reported in 2 patients (25%) which was managed using conservative treatments. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, the standard partial pharyngectomy with end to side technique is a safe and feasible method for the surgical resection of the squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus apex with good short-term and long-term outcomes.

Isolated laryngeal sarcoidosis.

To improve diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal sarcoidosis, we present a rare case of upper airway obstruction of unclear aetiology, with life-threatening complication.The patient was a 19-year boy who presented with progressive severe dyspnoea for eight months. After extensive diagnostic evaluations with no conclusive diagnosis, biopsy showed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation consistent with laryngeal sarcoidosis that was treated with a CO2 laser attached to a microscope. The laser was also used to resect epiglottitis, false focal cords, and aryepiglottic fold completely due to supraglottic swelling with a thick oedematous epiglottis. A 1.5-ms pulse-duration CO2 laser attached to a microscope is an effective technique of treating laryngeal sarcoidosis and preventing its hazardous complication. Beneficial effects of this method are not only an immediate improvement of the symptoms, but also this method decreases the need for long-term medical therapy with its side effects or avoid tracheostomy due to upper airway obstruction.

Comparison of the Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on QT Interval in Pediatrics Undergoing Cochlear Implantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

BACKGROUND: Children with sensorineural hearing loss are at risk of cardiac electrophysiologic abnormalities. Inhalational Sevoflurane induction in these children can cause QT prolongation. OBJECTIVES: In order to evaluate the safety of inhalational induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane in children with sensorineural hearing loss, who are candidates for cochlear implant, its electrophysiologic effects was compared with intravenous induction of anesthesia with propofol. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 61 children aged between one and eighteen years old, who were candidates for cochlear implantation, were randomly allocated to groups receiving anesthesia with sevoflurane (n = 32) or propofol (n = 29) for induction of anesthesia. Two 12-leads ECG were taken from all of patients before and after induction and QTc, Tp-e interval, and JTc were measured and compared. RESULTS: Two cases, who had pre-induction QTc longer than 500 ms were excluded from the study. Patients had similar age (102.58 ± 87 versus 101.46 ± 67 months, P = 0.95) and gender (males: 48.3% versus 56.3%, P = 0.53) distribution. The researchers observed significant post induction difference in QTc values between these groups (propofol 422.5 ± 40, sevoflurane 445.0 ± 29, P = 0.016). There was no significant difference in the percent QTc and Tp-e changes in propofol and sevoflurane groups. Greater percentage of patients with increased Tp-e interval (> 100 ms) in the sevoflurane group than the propofol group was also seen. There was no significant long QTc difference (QTc > 500 ms or more than 60 ms increase from baseline) after induction of anesthesia in the sevoflurane group compared to the propofol group (15.6% versus 13.8%, P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: After electrophysiological evaluations in children with sensorineural hearing loss, in patients whose pre-induction QTc is not longer than 500 ms, propofol seems safer than inhalational sevoflurane for induction of anesthesia.

Diagnostic Value of Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Metastatic Neck Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck Cancer: A Sample of Iranian Patient.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of DWI in assessment of metastatic neck lymph node in a sample of Iranian patients with Head and Neck cancer. Methods: 25 patients with 80 neck lymph nodes were analyzed using 1.5 T MRI. DWI was performed with b values of 0 and 1,000 s/mm2. Short axis diameter and ADC values (min, max and mean) were calculated for metastatic and non-metastatic neck LNs and results were compared with histopathological findings. The optimal ADC thresholds were analyzed using receiver coefficient characteristic (ROC) curves for discriminating between metastatic and benign neck lymph nodes. Result: Histopathological findings revealed that there are 45% (n=36) metastatic and 55% (n=44) non-metastatic neck LNs respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in short axis diameter between the two groups (p = 0.346). However, The ADC values of metastatic neck LNs were significantly lower than those of non-metastatic neck LNs (p < 0.001); 0.90 ± 0.10 × 10-3 mm2/s vs 1.06 ± 0.12 × 10-3 mm2/s ( ADC mean ), 0.78 ± 0.08 × 10-3 mm2/s vs 0.92 ± 0.20× 10-3 mm2/s ( ADC min ) and 1.02 ± 0.12 × 10-3 mm2/s vs 1.24 ± 0.15 × 10-3 mm2/s (ADC max ). The optimal mean ADC threshold value was equal to 0.996 × 10-3 mm2/s for differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 80.56 %, 77.27 % and 71.59 % respectively. Conclusion: MR diffusion imaging and ADC values as a non-invasive technique can assess metastatic neck LNs in head and neck cancer with higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Transtympanic Injections of N-acetylcysteine and Dexamethasone for Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that is used against a variety of tumors. The most common side effect of cisplatin is ototoxicity. This dose-related hearing impairment is high frequency, bilateral, and permanent. Unfortunately, there is no prophylactic protocol, and, in current clinical practice, the treatment of cancer with cisplatin is interrupted when ototoxicity develops or the resulting hearing impairment is tolerated as an acceptable side effect of cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to compare transtympanic injections of N-acetylcysteine and dexamethasone (both of which have shown substantial otoprotective activity) for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. METHODS: A double blind randomised clinical trial study of 60 cisplatin-treated patients was performed in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in 2016-2017. Transtympanic injection of N-acetylcysteine (10%) and dexamethasone was performed. Hearing acuity was evaluated by an audiologist blinded to the treated ears before each cycle with pure tone audiometry (PTA) and six months later. RESULTS: Altogether, 114 transtympanic infusions were performed (57 in each group). The data were analyzed by the Fisher test and chi-squared. In the ears with N-acetylcysteine, no significant changes in auditory thresholds were recorded. In the ears with dexamethasone, cisplatin induced a significant decrease of auditory thresholds at the 8000 Hz frequency band (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Transtympanic injections of N-acetylcysteineas a safe and inexpensive antioxidant agent seem to be an effective otoprotective strategy for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and for increasing the quality of life, especially in children.

Frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in Iranian chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammatory disease affecting paranasal sinuses. CRS is categorized into two distinct subgroups defined as CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Although several immune cells are involved in the CRS pathogenesis, the role of T cells is not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and macrophages in the sinonasal mucosa of CRS patients, as well as to investigate the specific transcription factors for Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. METHODS: In this study, 15 healthy controls, 12 CRSsNP, and 23 CRSwNP patients participated. CD4+, CD8+, and CD68+ cells were investigated in the sinonasal tissues using immunohistochemistry. The expression of transcription factors related to Th subsets (T-bet, GATA3, Ror-γt, and FoxP3) was evaluated using real-time PCR. Furthermore, CRSwNP patients were defined as eosinophilic when eosinophils consisted of more than 10% of total inflammatory cells. The Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman tests were used in statistical analyses. RESULTS: The median (range) age of the studied groups was: 32 (14-67) for CRSwNP, 28 (10-43) for CRSsNP, and 27 (17-44) for controls. The number of eosinophils in CRSwNP patients was higher than two other groups, whereas neutrophils were elevated in both CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups in comparison to controls. The frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and total inflammatory cells were significantly increased in CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients compared with controls. The mRNA expression of GATA3 was increased in CRSwNP patients while mRNA expression of Ror-γt was elevated in CRSsNP patients. No significant difference was observed in T-bet mRNA expression among three groups. Both CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients showed decreased FoxP3 mRNA expression in comparison to controls. CONCLUSION: The frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was elevated in CRS patients. In addition, we demonstrated Th2 dominance in CRSwNP patients and Th17 dominance in CRSsNP patients, implicating different mechanisms may underlie the disease. Better CRS classification and targeted therapeutic strategies may be achievable by determining the pattern of infiltrating inflammatory cells. Therefore, further experimental investigations on T cells are needed.

Levels of total IgA and IgA subclasses in the serum of chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Background: Different inflammatory mechanisms take part in the immunopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Immunoglobulin (Ig) A is the first-line defense in the airway tracts and other mucosal sites, but little is reported regarding its serum level in CRS patients. The purpose of current study is to determine the serum levels of total IgA, and its subclasses (IgA1, and IgA2) in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and control groups. Methods: In this case-control study the serum levels of total IgA and IgA subclasses were determined by Nephelometry and ELISA methods, respectively. The difference of the median concentrations was analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS and presented by GraphPad Prism software. Results: A total of 10 CRSwNP patient, 10 CRSsNP patients and 10 healthy controls participated in our study. The mean age of the groups were 38.2±12.6, 25.6±10.54, and 30.1±9.5, respectively. The concentrations of total IgA were 156(120-165), 165 (149-173), and 172 (152.8-184.3) mg/dl, respectively. The concentrations of IgA1 were 107 (77.9-169.9), 156.1(112.8-175.6), and 130.4 (118.8- 175.2) mg/dl, respectively. The concentrations of IgA2 were 26.11 (18.41-38.11), 26.96 (15.48-38.39), and 23.2 (18.42-31.78) mg/dl, respectively. There was no significant difference in total IgA (p=0.120), IgA1 (p=0.397) and IgA2 (p=0.925) serum levels among three groups. Conclusion: Our study showed there is no difference in total IgA and IgA subclasses in the serum of CRS patients in comparison to healthy controls.

Chondroradionecrosis of the Larynx in a Patient with Laryngeal: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Actinomycosis of the larynx has been rarely reported in the literature and usually occurs in patients with a history of laryngeal carcinoma and radiation therapy. However, its co-existence with chondroradionecrosis due to radiotherapy is even rarer. The most common site of infection is the cervicofacial region, especially in the submandibular area. CASE REPORT: Here we report a 63-year-old male with a history of chemoradiotherapy because of laryngeal cancer 1 year earlier who presented with laryngeal actinomycosis. After prolonged penicillin-based treatment, the patient underwent thyroid cartilage defect reconstructive surgery because of a laryngocutaneous fistula due to chondroradionecrosis. The diagnosis, work-up, and management of the case are discussed, as well as a review of the literature. CONCLUSION: Although actinomycotic infection of the larynx is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal complaints, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Tapia's Syndrome after Corrective Jaw Surgery under General Anesthesia: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Tapia's syndrome is a rare complication of recurrent laryngeal and hypoglossal nerve paralysis due to anesthetic airway mismanagement or malpositioning of the patient's head during surgery. CASE REPORT: Here we present a case of Tapia's syndrome in a 22-year-old male after corrective jaw surgery under general anesthesia, with a long period of recovery, related to airway management procedures and/or overstretching of the neck during positioning for surgery. CONCLUSION: Although it is a rare condition, every surgeon should be aware of Tapia's syndrome in order to consider the correct positioning of the head and endotracheal tube during surgery and avoid this complication.

Fraser syndrome with laryngeal webs: Report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Fraser syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by cryptophthalmos, syndactyly and laryngeal atresia. Although laryngeal webs occur uncommonly, they are the main cause of death in the first week of life in these patients. In this paper, we report two cases of Fraser syndrome with laryngeal webs. One of them was a twelve-year-old girl, primarily diagnosed with a supraglottic laryngeal web. In the course of treatment, a second web was also identified at the level of vocal cords, which is to our knowledge the first case of Fraser syndrome with two laryngeal webs in different levels.