Supraglottic Neurofibroma Presenting as Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea are commonly encountered in the pediatric population. In many cases it is secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The differential diagnosis is long, and as clinicians we have to determine who needs to undergo fiberoptic laryngoscopy in the clinic setting and other extensive testing. The differential diagnosis of a supraglottic mass in sleep disordered breathing needs to be considered in patients who fail conservative treatmenteven a diagnosis as rare as neurofibroma. Materials and Methods: A case report. A 16 yearold female presented with snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and “asthma” secondary to a neurofibroma of the aryepiglottic fold without associated NF1. Conclusions: This is the first case of an adolescent aged patient of African descent diagnosed with a solitary laryngeal neurofibroma. Her prolonged treatment with asthma medications and attempt to treat her sleep apnea with CPAP emphasize the importance of considering obstructive lesions in these situations.