[The value of endoscopy in recurrent acute laryngotracheitis in children. Apropos of 406 cases].

Acute laryngo-tracheitis in infants represents a common cause of respiratory distress with stridor accompanied with hospital admission. The prognosis is usually favorable in light of the available medical and environmental management. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1739 case reports from 1974 to 1989 with special attention being paid to infants admitted three times or more for recurrent acute laryngo-tracheitis. An ENT consultation was requested in 406 infants which resulted with an endoscopy being performed. Narrowing of the airway was noted in 75% of cases. Dynamics of fluids explains why a silent lesion becomes symptomatic as soon as an inflammatory process is also present. As there are pathologies which are life-threatening, we advocate routine endoscopy as a precautionary method of investigation, followed by close reassessments, in all cases of recurrent acute laryngo-tracheitis with dyspnea. Preferably, this procedure should be performed between dyspneic episodes.