eMedicine Specialties > Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery > Laryngology

Subglottic Stenosis in Adults: Workup

Author: James D Garnett, MD, Director of Voice and Swallowing Center, Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Feb 8, 2008

Workup

Laboratory Studies

  • In the absence of a history of prior trauma or when suggested by other findings, evaluate for inflammatory or infectious causes, including the following:
    • Wegener granulomatosis
    • Relapsing polychondritis
    • Syphilis
    • Tuberculosis
    • Sarcoidosis
    • Leprosy
    • Diphtheria
    • Scleroma

Imaging Studies

  • Radiography
    • Standard chest radiographs can often provide a great deal of information regarding the tracheal air column.
    • Anteroposterior filtered tracheal views and lateral soft tissue views of the neck provide specific information regarding the glottic/subglottic air column.
  • MRI is useful in evaluating length and width of the stenotic region by means of coronal and sagittal views.
  • CT scan
    • CT scanning is not as helpful as MRI because its views are generally only in the axial plane.
    • Thin cuts (1 mm) with sagittal and/or coronal reconstructions may be helpful, however. This is the preferred initial imaging study of the author.

Other Tests

  • Flow-volume loops do not offer more specific information regarding stenosis than what is gained from imaging. However, flow-volume loops may be helpful in monitoring for restenosis after intervention.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Videostrobolaryngoscopy is extremely helpful in evaluating the glottic and supraglottic larynx for possible concomitant injury.
  • Visualization of the larynx by flexible fiberoptic or rigid telescopic (90- or 70-degree scopes) in the clinic is crucial to the evaluation of airway lesions.

More on Subglottic Stenosis in Adults

Overview: Subglottic Stenosis in Adults
Workup: Subglottic Stenosis in Adults
Treatment: Subglottic Stenosis in Adults
Follow-up: Subglottic Stenosis in Adults
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

subglottic stenosis in adults, subglottic stenosis, acquired glottic stenosis, congenital glottic stenosis, narrowing of the subglottic area, acquired chronic subglottic stenosis, intubation, glottis, membranous stenosis, cartilaginous stenosis

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

James D Garnett, MD, Director of Voice and Swallowing Center, Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center
James D Garnett, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Anthony P Sclafani, MD, Director of Facial Plastic Surgery, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary; Professor of Otolaryngology, New York Medical College
Anthony P Sclafani, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American College of Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Robert M Kellman, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Robert M Kellman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Head and Neck Surgery, and Medical Society of the State of New York
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Christopher L Slack, MD, Otolaryngology-Facial Plastic Surgery, Private Practice, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders
Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society
Disclosure: Advanced Headache Intervention Consulting fee Consulting; Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting

 
 
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