GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AS A LIKELY CAUSE OF IDIOPATHIC SUBGLOTTIC STENOSIS

The cause of subglottic stenosis (SGS) is unknown for a subgroup of pa tients in which there is a female predominance. Seven women ranging in age from 39 to 66 years developed symptomatic and progressive SGS. Si x of the 7 patients failed to respond to all measures of conservative and radical surgical intervention. After recent thorough evaluation fo r gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) followed by medical managemen t for such, these 6 patients have stabilized and have responded to sur gical management. The seventh patient recently presented with SGS, was evaluated and treated for GERD, and has not required any surgical man agement. This study suggests that GERD laryngitis may be pertinent in the development of SGS. Medical management of GERD thus appears vital to successful treatment of idiopathic SGS.