A Case of Acquired Transient Laryngomalacia Associated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Collapse of epiglottis during inspiration is an unusual cause of upper airway obstruction. It is usually classified as a congenital anomaly but several acquired cases have been reported to occur in patients who have lost pharyngeal airway support by head injury and coma. Recently, we experienced a case of laryngomalacia that was associated with diabetic ketoacidosis and compromised the airway. A tracheotomy was first needed to maintain the respiration, then conservative management including diabetes control was enough to restore the patient's condition. This case supports the neuromuscular dysfunction theory which purports laryngomalacia as its cause.