laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, a cleft between the larynx and the upper trachea resulting from incomplete separation of these structures during embryonic development, with respiratory manifestations including respiratory distress with feeding, flaccid aryepiglottic folds, chronic cough, and increased oral secretions. It is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies of the respiratory system or GI tract. Complications include failure to thrive and recurrent aspiration pneumonia.
