A Case of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Induced by Concurrent Rheumatoid Arthritis Involvement of Laryngeal Nerve and Cricoarytenoid Joint.
- Author:
Yun Hwi PARK
1
;
Han Su KIM
;
Sung Min JUNG
;
Soo Yeon JUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ewha Womans University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. paransooyeon@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Rheumatoid arthritis;
Vocal fold paralysis;
Neuropathy;
Cricoarytenoid joint
- MeSH:
Airway Obstruction;
Arthritis;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid*;
Connective Tissue Diseases;
Cough;
Dyspnea;
Electromyography;
Foreign Bodies;
Hoarseness;
Humans;
Joints*;
Laryngeal Nerves*;
Larynx;
Male;
Paralysis*;
Sensation;
Tracheostomy;
Vocal Cords*
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology Phoniatrics and Logopedics
2016;27(2):130-133
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a connective tissue disease involving the larynx in 30% of the patients. Foreign body sensation, hoarseness, and cough are common symptoms in laryngeal involvement. An urgent tracheostomy is required when acute airway obstruction occurs in case of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. The most common cause of bilateral vocal fold paralysis in RA patients is a cricoarytenoid joint arthritis. Laryngeal nerve degeneration is rare cause of bilateral vocal fold paralysis in RA patients. In this case report, an emergent tracheostomy was performed on a 64-years-old male patient with acute dyspnea, and concurrent involvement of RA on laryngeal nerve and cricoarytenoid joint was revealed by laryngeal electromyography and histopathology. The vocal fold mobility was restored after 3-months medical treatment.
