Autoimmune hypothesis of acquired subglottic stenosis: lack of support at time of surgical repair in children

Non-oral manifestations in adults with a clinical and molecularly confirmed diagnosis of periodontal Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Introduction: Periodontal Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (pEDS) is a rare autosomal dominant type of EDS characterised by severe early-onset periodontitis, lack of attached gingiva, pretibial plaques, joint hypermobility and skin hyperextensibility as per the 2017 International EDS Classification. In 2016, deleterious pathogenic heterozygous variants were identified in C1R and C1S, which encode components of the complement system. Materials and Methods: Individuals with a clinical suspicion of pEDS were clinically and molecularly assessed through the National EDS Service in London and Sheffield and in genetic services in Austria, Sweden and Australia. Transmission electron microscopy and fibroblast studies were performed in a small subset of patients. Results: A total of 21 adults from 12 families were clinically and molecularly diagnosed with pEDS, with C1R variants in all families. The age at molecular diagnosis ranged from 21-73 years (mean 45 years), male: female ratio 5:16. Features of easy bruising (90%), pretibial plaques (81%), skin fragility (71%), joint hypermobility (24%) and vocal changes (38%) were identified as well as leukodystrophy in 89% of those imaged. Discussion: This cohort highlights the clinical features of pEDS in adults and contributes several important additional clinical features as well as novel deleterious variants to current knowledge. Hypothetical pathogenic mechanisms which may help to progress understanding and management of pEDS are also discussed.

Laryngotracheal stenosis of autoimmune aetiology

Autoimmune origin ranks fifth in the etiologic classification of laryngotracheal stenosis. Wegener's disease is the autoimmune illness most associated with stenosis; however, there are other autoimmune diseases that may also be associated with it. A descriptive, retrospective study of 9 cases of laryngotracheal stenosis associated with autoimmune disease was carried out. There were 9 patients (8 females and 1 male) with an average age of 27.9 years. Four of the patients suffered from Wegener's disease, 1 from ulcerative colitis and 1 from purple vasculitis. The other 3 patients only had positive c-ANA. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 3 cases. The other 6 patients required open surgery. Respiratory results were acceptable. Based on our study, we feel that the immunological profiles should be studied in all patients with stenosis, given that not only Wegener's disease is linked to stenosis.

Idiopathic Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis

Objectives:

To report and compare patients’ experiences with acquired subglottic stenosis (AS) versus idiopathic subglottic and tracheal stenosis (ISTS).

Methods:

A survey was made available to patients with AS and ISTS. Results were analyzed for inter- and intragroup differences using a 2-tailed t test.

Results:

The study included 160 survey participants (AS n = 28; ISTS n = 132), with a predominance of female participants (82% AS, 98% ISTS). Acid reflux was the most prevalent comorbidity across groups (42%-43%). A significant difference in time to diagnosis was found between groups, with 32% of AS patients diagnosed within 3 months of symptom onset, compared to 2% with ISTS. A diagnosis delay greater than 18 months occurred for 58% of ISTS patients. There was no difference in treatment approach, with the most common treatment being balloon dilation, followed by laser dilation. Tracheal resection was performed in 36% of patients in both groups. Patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes was significantly higher after tracheal resection (76%) compared to other treatment modalities (39%).

Conclusions:

ISTS remains a diagnostic challenge as highlighted by the delay in diagnosis compared to AS. There appears to be no historical or symptomatic factors specific to ISTS. Additionally, patients report increased satisfaction and symptom resolution after tracheal resection.

Idiopathic progressive subglottic stenosis: findings and treatment in 52 patients

Rarely, patients develop severe idiopathic subglottic stenosis. In 34 years, we have observed this disorder in 52 patients. All but 1 of the patients were female--a finding that suggests a hormonal cause. Without treatment, the airway progressively narrows--in some cases, until the patient requires tracheotomy. Laser submucosal resection and rotation mucosal flaps open and stabilize the airway and provide effective palliation. However, unlike traumatic subglottic stenosis, which has been cured with this technique, the idiopathic form causes submucosal fibrosis that regenerates spontaneously. Thus, treatment helps, but does not cure, the patient. The characteristic pathological finding is of submucosal dense fibrotic tissue with evidence of chronic inflammation. The clinical findings and treatment are here discussed.