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Case Reports
. 2024 Apr 17;17(4):e258824.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258824.

Vallecular cyst causing sleep-disordered breathing in an older child

Dylan J Cooper  1 , Ron Mitzner  2 , Eric A Gantwerker  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Vallecular cyst causing sleep-disordered breathing in an older child

Dylan J Cooper et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Consensus-based recommendations are needed to better guide paediatric otolaryngologists in providing standardised care to children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Here we present a unique case of vallecular cyst found during SDB workup in a patient in their middle childhood (6-12 years old). While the patient underwent successful cyst resection, he was noted to have a suspected recurrence 6 months later. Immediately prior to revision excision, repeat awake flexible fibre-optic laryngoscopy revealed complete resolution of the suspected recurrence. This case underscores the significance of performing a complete upper airway examination, including endoscopic examination, to identify structural and anatomical lesions in older children with SDB.

Keywords: Head and neck surgery; Otolaryngology / ENT; Paediatric Surgery; Sleep disorders; Sleep disorders (respiratory medicine).

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

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