Subglottic Granuloma Post-Intubation: Insights from A Case with Acute Stridor

Authors

  • Harridas Manickam 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
  • Nik Fariza Husna Nik Hassan Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
  • Norasnieda Md Shukri Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Keywords:

Acute stridor, post-intubation granuloma, flexible nasolaryngoscop, airway assessment

Abstract

A 38-year-old man developed acute stridor two months after a seven-day period of endotracheal intubation following a motor vehicle accident. Plain anteroposterior and lateral neck radiographs demonstrated marked subglottic narrowing and a posterior soft-tissue density. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy showed a well-circumscribed posterior subglottic lesion obstructing approximately 70% of the airway. Following intravenous dexamethasone and close airway monitoring, direct laryngoscopy confirmed a left posterolateral subglottic mass. Complete excision with intralesional corticosteroid injection restored airway patency. His stridor resolved, and he was discharged well two days after surgery. This case highlights post-intubation subglottic granuloma as a potentially serious delayed complication and demonstrates the complementary roles of plain neck radiography, flexible nasolaryngoscopy and definitive operative assessment.

References

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Published

10-09-2026

Issue

Section

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences