Huge Epiglottic Cyst Presenting as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Abstract

Epiglottic cysts are benign lesions which are either incidental findings or they presents as mild dysphagia and hoarseness or some degree of respiratory obstruction. We report a rare case of adult male with huge epiglottic cyst presenting as obstructive sleep apnoea. A 50 years aged male presented with chief complain of loud snoring for one year. He also had mild dysphagia and feeling of lump in the throat. After detailed examination and polysomnography this patient was diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnoea due to huge epiglottic cyst. This patient underwent successful cyst excision under general anaesthesia. Six weeks post operative repeat polysomnography of patient showed marked improvement. We discuss the epiglottic cyst as a cause of snoring and emphasize the importance of routine check-up of larynx in diagnosing and anaesthetic and surgical skills in managing this rare condition.

Keywords

• Epiglottic cyst
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Polysomnography