Pathogenesis of subglottic stenosis from endotracheal intubation.

Subglottic stenosis is more likely to develop secondary to endotracheal intubation if one or more trauma-related risk factors are involved. Ulcerations occur most often in the posterior-lateral cricoid ring. They vary in size and may involve the entire circumference of the subglottic area. The ulcerations heal with fibrous scarring which, if extensive enough, results in subglottic stenosis.