Laryngeal Cleft

Overview

Laryngeal cleft is a congenital malformation that results in a non-union in the posterior glottic larynx. In severe cases, this may extend as far inferior as the intrathoracic trachea.

History

Laryngeal clefts were first described by Christian Friedrich Richter in 1792.^[1]

Pathophysiology

Relevant Anatomy

Relevant anatomy includes the ***

The degree of clefting is based on the Benjamin-Inglis classification.^[2] The term "Class 0" is sometimes used to describe a deep intra-arytenoid notch that may be contributing to aspiration but does not reach the level of the vocal cords.

Benjamin-Inglis Classification of Laryngeal Clefts
Classification	Degree of clefting
Class 1	Down to the level of the vocal cords without cricoid cartilage involvement
Class 2	Partially through the cricoid cartilage without tracheal involvement
Class 3	Through the entire cricoid cartilage and into part of the cervical trachea
Class 4	Through the entire cervical trachea into the thoracic trachea

Disease Etiology

Genetics

Histology

Diagnosis

Patient History

Physical Examination

Laboratory Tests

Imaging

Differential Diagnosis

Management

Medical Management

Surgical Management

Outcomes

Complications

Prognosis

References

↑ Richter CF. Dissertatio medica de infanticidio in artis obstetriciae exercitio non semper evitabili, etc. 1792.
↑ Benjamin B, Inglis A. Minor congenital laryngeal clefts: diagnosis and classification. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 1989 Jun;98(6):417-20.

[1] Richter CF. Dissertatio medica de infanticidio in artis obstetriciae exercitio non semper evitabili, etc. 1792.

[2] Benjamin B, Inglis A. Minor congenital laryngeal clefts: diagnosis and classification. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 1989 Jun;98(6):417-20.

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