A 10-year-old Child with Severe Subglottic Stenosis Following Intubation: A Case Report

Subglottic stenosis is among the most common airway problems in children, i.e., acquired or congenital. More than 90% of acquired cases are secondary to endotracheal intubation and occur iatrogenically. Subglottic stenosis is an unexpected problem that requires timely diagnosis and intervention. Most cases of subglottic stenosis in children are mild to moderate. 

The presented patient was a 10-year-old child who, after long intubation due to head trauma following early discharge from the surgical center, was referred to the Children’s Hospital on the same day with a complaint of high fever and shortness of breath. With the development of respiratory distress and cyanosis, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. Due to the impossibility of passing the tracheal tube with the appropriate age for the patient, the initial diagnosis of subglottic stenosis was established and a tracheostomy was performed. Diagnostic bronchoscopy confirmed severe subglottic stenosis, and the child was referred to a specialized Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) center for the repair of the tracheal stenosis.

One of the most common causes of stridor in children is subglottic stenosis following prolonged intubation. Recognizing the predisposing factors, prevention, strong clinical suspicion, timely diagnosis, and treatment can prevent further adverse complications or consequences in children.