## Overview Arytenoid chondritis is a progressive inflammatory condition of one or both arytenoid cartilages of the larynx. Mucosal injury is thought to allow bacterial invasion, leading to cartilage infection, deformation, and enlargement. The affected arytenoid loses the ability to abduct fully, narrowing the airway. The condition is seen most often in young racehorses and produces exercise intolerance and inspiratory noise similar to recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. ## Causes The precise cause is unknown. Mucosal trauma (possibly from inhaled particulate matter or forced glottic closure) followed by bacterial infection is the leading hypothesis. Respiratory tract infection may also play a role. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy reveals an enlarged, misshapen, poorly mobile arytenoid, often with granulation tissue or a contact lesion on the opposite cartilage. Laryngeal ultrasound helps define the lateral extent of cartilage involvement. Clinical signs include poor performance and inspiratory stridor; severe cases show dyspnea at rest. ## Treatment Mild mucosal lesions may respond to systemic and topical anti-inflammatories plus antibiotics and airway rest. Advanced cartilage deformity usually requires surgical debridement or partial arytenoidectomy. Temporary tracheostomy is sometimes needed for severe airway obstruction. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is good for mild cases managed medically. After unilateral arytenoidectomy, many horses return to racing, although performance level may be reduced. Bilateral disease carries a poorer prognosis. ## Prevention No specific prevention is established. Minimizing airway irritation in young racehorses may be beneficial.
exercise intolerance; inspiratory respiratory noise; poor performance; enlarged or immobile arytenoid on endoscopy; dyspnea at rest in severe cases
## Overview Arytenoid chondritis is a progressive inflammatory condition of one or both arytenoid cartilages of the larynx. Mucosal injury is thought to allow bacterial invasion, leading to cartilage infection, deformation, and enlargement. The affected arytenoid loses the ability to abduct fully, narrowing the airway. The condition is seen most often in young racehorses and produces exercise intolerance and inspiratory noise similar to recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. ## Causes The precise cause is unknown. Mucosal trauma (possibly from inhaled particulate matter or forced glottic closure) followed by bacterial infection is the leading hypothesis. Respiratory tract infection may also play a role. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy reveals an enlarged, misshapen, poorly mobile arytenoid, often with granulation tissue or a contact lesion on the opposite cartilage. Laryngeal ultrasound helps define the lateral extent of cartilage involvement. Clinical signs include poor performance and inspiratory stridor; severe cases show dyspnea at rest. ## Treatment Mild mucosal lesions may respond to systemic and topical anti-inflammatories plus antibiotics and airway rest. Advanced cartilage deformity usually requires surgical debridement or partial arytenoidectomy. Temporary tracheostomy is sometimes needed for severe airway obstruction. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is good for mild cases managed medically. After unilateral arytenoidectomy, many horses return to racing, although performance level may be reduced. Bilateral disease carries a poorer prognosis. ## Prevention No specific prevention is established. Minimizing airway irritation in young racehorses may be beneficial.
exercise intolerance; inspiratory respiratory noise; poor performance; enlarged or immobile arytenoid on endoscopy; dyspnea at rest in severe cases