Laryngotracheal Stenosis After COVID-19 Infection

Laryngotracheal stenosis after COVID-19 infection is typically caused by invasive mechanical ventilation management, such as endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy, performed on the larynx and trachea while inflamed due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intubated patients infected with COVID-19 have a higher incidence of laryngotracheal stenosis than non-COVID-19 infected patients. Risk factors for developing laryngotracheal stenosis were found to be similar to those of non-COVID-19 infected and intubated patients. Most of the reported cases of bilateral vocal cord paralysis after COVID-19 infection appear to be due to posterior glottic stenosis rather than nerve paralysis, based on the course of the disease. Treatment of posterior glottic stenosis must emphasize preservation of the laryngeal function.