Clicking larynx syndrome in an adolescent patient following trauma: A case report and review of current literature

Clicking Larynx Syndrome (CLS) is an uncommon condition of an audible clicking noise from the larynx with movement. While etiology remains unclear, CLS is often linked to a shortened distance between the hyoid and the thyroid cartilage. This can impact quality of life calling for early diagnosis and treatment. The presented case report and literature review explore etiologies, symptomatology, and impact of CLS on patients and proposed diagnostics and treatments. A 17-year-old male presented with discomfort and an audible click of the larynx with head turning. This was noticed 2 years after minor laryngeal trauma during football. Bilateral CLS was confirmed both clinically and with dynamic 3D CT scan during lateral head rotation and swallow. The patient underwent surgery to resect the elongated superior cornua of the thyroid cartilage bilaterally. Postoperatively, he had near complete resolution of symptoms with only having abnormal movement of the larynx with extreme turning of his head. Twenty-five case reports were identified in the literature. The common finding is a clicking sound and discomfort that is triggered by swallowing or lateral head movements. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges are discussed, with emphasis on further research to better determine etiology and the best treatment strategies for CLS.