Association of airway abnormalities and risk factors in 37 subglottic stenosis patients

Abstract

Objectives: The study objective is to characterize the airway abnormalities in a series of patients with subglottic stenosis (SGS) as they relate to etiology and risk factors.

Study design and setting: Retrospective review, academic medical center. Airway characteristics, patient demographics, and suspected risk factors were recorded from a database of SGS cases from 2001 to 2004.

Results: Thirty-seven patients with SGS were identified; 22 of 37 had isolated SGS (59%). Intubation (10 of 37, 27%), high tracheotomy (4 of 37, 11%), and reflux (5 of 37, 14%) comprised the bulk of cases; 13 of 37 (35%) were considered idiopathic. Of 22 patients with isolated SGS, the majority 18 of 22 (P = 0.06) were women, 59% of which were idiopathic. Multiple-level cases (0 of 15) were idiopathic (P < 0.001). Intubation was the most common cause of multiple site stenosis (6 of 15, 40%).

Conclusions: The majority of patients in this study had isolated lesions. These patients tend to have no apparent risk factors. Multi-level cases are associated with prolonged intubation and known injuries. The nature of "idiopathic" stenoses is discussed.

Significance: Clinical examination of SGS may be meaningful in understanding the etiology of the stenosis.