RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 An unusual development in a girl with recurrent croup - Case report
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P3345
VO 40
IS Suppl 56
A1 Diana Reppucci
A1 Juerg Hammer
A1 Daniel Trachsel
YR 2012
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3345.abstract
AB Background: Recurrent croup is common in childhood. Rare congenital and acquired pathologies may mimic viral croup.Case: A girl with previously suspected laryngomalacia was admitted with a first episode of croup at 8 months of age, only partially responding to inhaled adrenalin. Laryngoscopically, the dorsal tracheal mucosa bulged into the subglottic area causing a 50% narrowing of the airway, and a CT showed a soft tissue mass between trachea and esophagus that was not suggestive of a hemangioma. In view of the inconspicuous appearance, the rapid recovery from the croup, the young age, and the location it was decided not to biopsy the lesion. After an uneventful observational period with decreasing symptoms the girl presented again at 4 years of age with a typical OSAS. With respect to the personal history, a bronchoscopy was made that confirmed significant adenotonsillar hypertrophy, but also revealed marked growth of the subglottic mass. A transtracheal biopsy was performed, and a plexiform neurofibroma was found. Due to the infiltrative growth of the neurofibroma, extensive surgery including partial tracheal resection became necessary. Eventually, the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 was made.Conclusion: Neurofibroma in NF1 may occur in the laryngeal area, presenting early in infancy mimicking common croup.