Aryepiglottic Cyst Developed Hours After Tracheal Intubation Causing Acute Upper Airway Ball-Valve Obstruction: A Case Report

Abstract

This is the first case report describing an aryepiglottic cyst resulting in critical airway compromise after an uneventful tracheal intubation. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman who developed acute dyspnea and stridor several hours after the surgery. She was found to have significant upper airway obstruction owing to a large left aryepiglottic cyst with a ball-valve effect.