Fatal asphyxia due to laryngomucocele.

Forensic Sci Int

Department of Forensic Medicine Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Ulloi út 93, Hungary.

Published: September 2009

AI Article Synopsis

  • Laryngocele is a rare, benign growth in the larynx that can cause severe breathing issues, including asphyxia.
  • A 55-year-old woman experienced discomfort and mild asphyxia, with a noticeable swelling in her neck; despite medical recommendations, she refused hospitalization and died shortly after.
  • An autopsy confirmed the presence of a laryngocele with both internal and external components, highlighting the danger of rapid airway obstruction associated with this condition.

Article Abstract

Laryngocele is a rare benign lesion of the larynx resulting from an abnormal dilation of the laryngeal saccule, however, severe airway obstruction and even asphyxia may occur. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with a feeling of discomfort and mild asphyxia. There was a smooth, firm swelling, 2 cm in diameter, upon palpation on the right side of the neck. Laryngoscopy revealed a bulging near the ventricular and right aryepiglottic folds. CT scan, MRI investigation and in-hospital observation were suggested, the patient, however, refused acute treatment and hospitalization and died suddenly, a few minutes after leaving. Autopsy revealed combined laryngocele with internal and external components. As the presented case shows, the internal part of the laryngocele may cause rapid and complete obstruction. The examining physician should therefore call the patient's attention to this potential life threatening condition.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.05.002DOI Listing

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