50 Edema of the Laryi 



3. Edema of the Larynx. Oedema glottidis. 



By edema of the larynx, or oedema glottidis, is understood 

 an accumulation of serous fluid in the loose submucous con- 

 nective tissue of the epiglottic-arythenoid folds and of the 

 ventricles of Morgagni, in consequence of which stenosis of 

 the larynx is brought about. 



Etiology. Edema of the larynx occurs as a primary affec- 

 tion after the inhalation of hot air, irritating acrid gases or 

 dust-like substances; also after injury of the laryngeal mucosa; 

 its development may be favored by preceding hard work, es- 

 pecially by excitement which has led to hyperemia. In this 

 manner one may explain the occurrence of edema of the larynx 

 after forced marches on dusty country roads (Bugiiiet) and 

 at conflagrations. In young clucks fatal edema of the larynx 

 is sometimes caused by the sting of bees which have fallen 

 into the water when they were tired out and have been ingested 

 by the young ducks. 



In the overwhelming majority of cases, edema of the larynx 

 is a secondary affection, coming on principally during severe 

 disease of the larynx or of the organs in the immediate neigh- 

 borhood of the former (pharynx, tongue, parotid gland, 

 laryngeal and retropharyngeal lymph glands). As a collateral 

 edema the affection is seen in certain infectious diseases 

 (anthrax, hemorrhagic septicaemia of deers, of buffaloes, hogs 

 and in hog cholera, petechial fever, pox, etc.) ; urticaria in 

 cattle is sometimes associated with oedema glottidis (Wyss- 

 mann, All)recht). 



Congestion (chronic heart disease), compression of the 

 jugular vein, traumatic pericarditis (Liebetanz) or cachexia 

 may give rise to edema of the glottis; such cases are however 

 rare when compared with various edemas in other places of 

 the body. 



The fat collecting in large amounts around the entrance to the larynx in 

 fattened hogs produces, according to L. Weisz, an enlargement of the thyroid gland 

 by coni])ression of the veins, and the pressure of the thyroid upon the larynx causes 

 a whistling sound (animals so affected are called "lung-whistlers.") 



Anatomical Changes. The epiglottic-arj^thenoid folds, the 

 lateral bands of the vocal cords, the folds between the epiglottis 

 and the tongue, form trembling gelatinous ridges with either 

 a reddened or a pale surface. These ridges collapse after an 

 incision, and discharge a clear, more rarely turbid, serous fluid, 

 and the mucosa then forms folds. Exceptionally the connective 

 tissue of the ridges is found infiltrated with a purulent exudate, 

 especially if the edema occurs in connection with deeper in- 

 flammation of neighboring parts (perichondritis, abscess for- 

 mation). Simultaneously with oedema glottidis or independently 



