• Lena W Chen, Ioan Lina, Kevin Motz, Alexandra J Berges, Rafael Ospino, Philip Seo, and Alexander T Hillel.
• Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Dec 1; 165 (6): 845-853.

ObjectiveSubglottic stenosis (SGS) is a known complication of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). We investigated the impact of medical and surgical interventions on the surgical dilation interval and characterized patients with glottic involvement.Study DesignA retrospective chart review of patients with GPA-associated SGS was performed from 2010 to 2019.SettingTertiary academic medical center.MethodsThe impact of medical and surgical interventions on dilation interval was assessed. The prevalence of glottic involvement was assessed, and clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared with patients without glottic involvement.ResultsA total of 39 patients with GPA-associated SGS were analyzed. Dilation intervals in patients receiving leflunomide (n = 4; median, 484 days; 95% CI, 405-1099) were greater than in those not receiving leflunomide (median, 155 days; 95% CI, 48-305; P = .033). The surgical technique used did not affect dilation interval. Patients with glottic involvement (n = 13) had a greater incidence of dysphonia (13/13 vs 15/26 [58%], P = .007) and a shorter dilation interval with involvement (median, 91 days; interquartile range, 70-277) versus without involvement (median, 377 days; interquartile range, 175-1148; hazard ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 2.26-5.05; P < .001). Of 13 patients, 8 (62%) did not have glottic involvement on first presentation.ConclusionAlthough GPA is classically thought to affect the subglottis, it also involves the glottis in a subset of patients. These patients have greater complaints of dysphonia and require more frequent surgery. Systemic therapy may increase dilation intervals. In this preliminary study, patients taking leflunomide demonstrated an improvement, highlighting the need for further study of immunosuppression regimens in the treatment of GPA-associated SGS.

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