Laryngotracheoesophageal Cleft Type 0

Laryngo-tracheo-esophageal cleft (LC) type 0 is a congenital respiratory tract anomaly characterized by a submucosal laryngo-tracheo-esophageal cleft with minor symptoms or an asymptomatic course.

Epidemiology

Prevalence of this form of LC is difficult to ascertain because of the mild or asymptomatic nature of the condition, but it is thought to be rare.

Clinical description

Subjects with type 0 LC may have no obvious symptoms or mild symptoms such as occasional aspirations. Syndromic associations may be present. The anomaly is often detected during endoscopy indicated for other reasons.

Etiology

The causes underlying development of this anomaly are unknown.

Management and treatment

No specific treatment is required.