Case report: An unusual case of 'black' larynx

Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Aug 13:1455613221119350. doi: 10.1177/01455613221119350. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Ulcerative necrotic supraglottitis is a rare entity of laryngeal infection leading rapidly in laryngeal necrosis, systematic complications and potentially fatal outcomes. We present a case of a 50-year-old gentleman with ulcerative necrotising supraglottitis and no co-morbidities who presented in Ear Nose and Throat Service in the Accident and Emergency department due to dysphagia and weakness. He was treated with an emergency tracheostomy with neck exploration and washout and received appropriate supporting antibiotic regime. He improved and was eventually decannulated, able to breathe phonate and swallow appropriately. After a thorough review of the literature regarding necrotising infections of the laryngeal cavity, only 7 cases have been reported, all in immunocompromised patients with severe complications. Our case report is the first ulcerative necrotic supraglottitis in a healthy individual who was treated early and aggressively with impressive results.

Keywords: laryngeal necrosis; necrotic laryngeal infection; necrotising fasciitis of the larynx; necrotising laryngitis; necrotising supraglottitis.