Glottic and tracheal stenosis in spinal cord injured patients.

Between 1965 and 1985, 47 cases of glottic and/or tracheal stenosis were diagnosed at the Rocky Mountain Regional Spinal Cord Injury System. A retrospective review of medical records identified associated injuries, pulmonary and other medical complications in this patient population. Radiographic and endoscopic reviews utilised a grading system to classify the severity of stenosis. The clinical symptoms of stenosis were multiple, including dysphonia, aspiration, dysphagia, odynophagia, dyspnea and excessive secretions. The wide spectrum of treatment modalities included endoscopy with excision and/or dilation, general medical management, steroids, radiation therapy, intubation, stent insertion and surgical repair of the stenotic area. Outcome status was reviewed and suggestions provided for the early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition.