LARYNGOMALACIA AS CAUSE OF SEVERE ALVEOLA R HYPOVENTILATION IN INFANT- DESCRIPTION OF A CASE-REPORT AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

Laryngomalacia is a common disease in infancy characterized by all obs truction of upper airways during inspiration because of the collapse o f anatomical structures of the larynx. Rarely this pathology can be ca use of severe respiratory distress. A case of suspected laryngomalacia , diagnosed by polysomnography and laryngoscopy, as a cause of severe Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome (A.H.S.) in a 5-months-old infant is reported. The patient underwent an emergency tracheotomy during a lif e-threatening respiratory distress. The Authors underline the need for an early diagnosis to prevent if possible invasive therapeutic proced ures and letal events through an adequate therapy planning. The differ eiztial diagnosis between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (O.S.A.S.) and A.H.S, is also discussed.