CRICOARYTENOID ARTHRITIS AS AN EARLY SIGN OF JUVENILE CHRONIC ARTHRITIS

A 14-month-old girl developed chronic strider and dyspnoea. Four month s later she presented arthritis, anterior uveitis and positive ANA. Ju venile chronic arthritis (JCA) was diagnosed. Laryngoscopy demonstrate d the presence of cricoarytenoid arthritis (CA). The left vocal cord w as adducted and immobile, while the right vocal cord had decreased mob ility. Erythema and swelling of the arytenoid cartilage on both sides was seen. Steroid treatment resulted in the resolution of these sympto ms and made airway control unnecessary. This case demonstrates that CA may be the first sign of JCA, preceding peripheral arthritis. CA shou ld be considered in, every child with chronic stridor and laryngeal ob struction.