Laryngeal Stridor and Posterior Fossa Tumor in a Child

Abstract

Laryngeal stridor associated with congenital hindbrain malformation such as Arnold-Chiari malformation, myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus has been reported and recognized in otolaryngological and pediatric literatures, but scanty in neurosurgery. The authors treated a posterior fossa tumor of a child with laryngeal stridor which disappeared after operation. Surgery disclosed caudal displacement of the medulla compressed by a cystic tumor.
Although uncertain in detail, the pathogenesis of laryngeal stridor in such posterior fossa lesions is assumed to be the traction of the vagus nerve exerted by a caudally displaced medulla at the craniovertebral junction.
The authors reviewed the literatures and discussed the pathogenesis of laryngeal stridor in association with congenital malformations and a tumor in the posterior fossa. Treatment of the acute respiratory distress secondary to laryngeal stridor was also mentioned.