Laryngocele

LARYNGOCELE (from Greek larynx-larynx and kele-tumor), a sac-like protrusion of the mucous membrane of the larynx into the area of the Morgagni sinuses in the form of abnormal, diverticulum-like recesses with the formation of extra-laryngeal air cavities. Their size is most often 1-2 cm in diameter. During compression during coughing, such an air sac can protrude outward on the neck. When the cystic air cavities bulge inward into the lumen of the larynx, severe phenomena in terms of asphyxia may appear. An air laryngeal cyst with detachment of an appendix of the Morgagni sinus has been described, which led to death by suffocation (Schneider). Essentially, L. represents one of the developmental malformations of the larynx. The majority of laryngocele cases have no clinical significance and are found accidentally during autopsy (about 1% of the latter).