Isolated juvenile xanthogranuloma of the subglottis: case report.

Abstract

Juvenile xanthogranulomatosis (JXG) is a relatively rare macrophage proliferative disorder. It usually presents as a localized cutaneous lesion but may affect other organs. Until now it has never been described in the subglottic region of the larynx. We report the first case of juvenile xanthogranulomatosis (JXG) in the subglottis in a 3 year old child. The localization in the subglottis caused airway obstruction requiring tracheostomy to secure the airway. On the basis that most cutaneous lesions regress spontaneously the lesion was managed expectantly and regressed over a period of 28 months allowing decannulation of the child. JXG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subglottic lesions. Once the airway has been secured, JXG of the subglottis can be managed conservatively. Long-term follow-up is required because of the possibility of relapse at other sites.