Pseudopolyp of the right laryngeal ventricle following atraumatic intubation: a diagnostic dilemma

The traumatic effects of tracheal intubation are well recognized. Whilst th ese usually follow prolonged intubation, acute lesions have been described, usually following a traumatic intubation technique. We present a case of a cute, localized swelling of the right laryngeal ventricle which followed an entirely atraumatic intubation by an experienced paediatric anaesthetist. The lesion was not present at the time of intubation, but developed subsequ ently during the surgical procedure. Although previously observed at our in stitution, such lesions have not been described in the literature. The pote ntial for a diagnostic pitfall, by mistaking the lesion for a laryngeal cys t or nodule, is discussed.