Management of subglottic cysts with Mitomycin-C-A case series and literature review.

Objectives: To describe the management and outcomes of seven infants with subglottic cysts. To assess the role of Mitomycin-C in the management of subglottic cysts. To discuss the relationship of subglottic cysts with gastro-esophageal reflux. To extensively review the literature on subglottic cysts.

Design: Retrospective case series and literature review.

Methods: Case series of seven children with subglottic cysts at a tertiary care hospital. Charts were reviewed to determine birth history, gender, intubation history, comorbidities, age at presentation, presenting symptoms, interventions and follow-up.

Results: Between 2001 and 2009, seven patients aged 4-13 months were diagnosed with and treated for subglottic cysts. All children had a history of intubation and had evidence of gastro-esophageal reflux. All children were treated with endoscopic marsupialization (CO(2)-laser, cupped forceps) or bronchoscopic rupture; with or without concomitant topical Mitomycin-C therapy. Infants were followed clinically and with interval endoscopy with a minimum follow-up of 6 weeks. No patients receiving topical post-marsupialization Mitomycin-C (0/4) had cyst recurrence. Those patients who did not receive Mitomycin-C therapy recurred more frequently (66% - 2/3). Cysts ruptured with the bronchoscope tip recurred (66% - 2/3) more often than cysts undergoing endoscopic marsupialization (0/6). The one bronchoscopic rupture case that did not recur was the one in which Mitomycin-C was used concomitantly. Patient follow-up was at 2, 4 and 6 weeks post-procedure.

Conclusion: Endoscopic marsupialization is the treatment of choice for subglottic cysts. Gastro-esophageal reflux has a strong association with subglottic cysts. The post-marsupialization application of Mitomycin-C may have a role in reducing the recurrence rate and scarring after surgical treatment of subglottic cysts.