Belgian Journal of Paediatrics
Vallecular Cyst as a Rare Cause of Failure to Thrive with Obstructive Breathing in Infants
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Keywords

failure to thrive
fiberoptic laryngoscopy
infant
upper airway obstruction
vallecular cyst

Categories

How to Cite

Awouters, M., Huygen, A., Van Dinther, J., De Foer, B., & Verlinden, E. (2024). Vallecular Cyst as a Rare Cause of Failure to Thrive with Obstructive Breathing in Infants. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 26(4), 307–309. Retrieved from https://belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/287

Abstract

A vallecular cyst is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction in neonates and infants. Symptoms include stridor, failure to thrive, obstructive breathing and respiratory distress. We present a case of a 2-month-old infant with poor weight gain and feeding difficulties. The diagnosis was initially missed due to a concomitant viral infection. The patient underwent transoral marsupialisation with complete resolution of symptoms. Vallecular cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of children with stridor and dysphagia. Diagnosis is primarily by laryngoscopy. The preferred treatment is marsupialisation, which is less invasive than complete excision and has low risk of recurrence.

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