Additional pediatric resources: GeneralPediatrics.com | PediatricEducation.org | SearchingPediatrics.com
Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Nearly always viral in origin. The viral infection causes
inflammation and narrowing of the subglottic airway causing
obstruction of the subglottic airway and the larynx.
Pathology:
Not applicable
Imaging Findings:
An AP film shows proximal subglottic airway narrowing which is
visible as the "steeple sign" where there is loss of the shoulder
like subglottic trachea. A lateral film of the airway should always
be taken to rule out the other diseases in the differential of
inspiratory stridor, particularly epiglottitis.
DDX:
References:
See References Chapter.
Additional pediatric resources: GeneralPediatrics.com | PediatricEducation.org | SearchingPediatrics.com
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