Abstract

Congenital saccular cyst of the larynx is a rare cause of presentation of stridor and respiratory distress in newborns. The clinical presentation of a saccular laryngeal cyst often overlaps with other common causes of stridor, such as laryngomalacia, presenting a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. We present a case of a term newborn infant referred for evaluation of inspiratory stridor since birth. Microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of a large cystic mass obstructing the supraglottis. Marsupialisation of the cyst was performed with resolution of stridor, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a saccular laryngeal cyst. Our case highlights the importance of considering congenital saccular laryngeal cysts, although rare, in the differential diagnoses of neonatal stridor. Prompt recognition, early endoscopic airway evaluation and surgical intervention are crucial to preventing potentially life-threatening airway obstruction in a newborn presenting with stridor.