Breathy Dysphonia, Not Just a Pain in the Neck

We describe a rare occurrence of unilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with a cervical osteophyte abutting the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Trans-nasal laryngoscopy is vital in diagnosing vocal fold paralysis, but often does not provide insight into etiology. This case highlights the importance of radiographic imaging in newly diagnosed vocal fold paralysis, and underscores the principle that a diagnosis is not idiopathic until all sources have been ruled out.

Importance of Imaging in Congenital Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Case of Neck Neuroblastoma Presenting with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Congenital vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is an important cause of respiratory compromise in infants. It can either be unilateral or bilateral, while imaging is routinely performed for bilateral VFP to evaluate for potential neurological causes, and such a practice may not be routine for unilateral VFP. While many of the unilateral VFP cases are idiopathic, the cause may occasionally be more sinister in nature, such as tumors. Therefore, unless an obvious cause of unilateral VFP is present (such as cardiac surgery or birth trauma), routine imaging of the brain, neck, and mediastinum should be performed for congenital unilateral VFP. We describe a rare case of a cervical neuroblastoma presenting with unilateral VFP that was detected only on imaging, thus highlighting its value and importance.

Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: The “Trifecta”—Dysphonia, Dysphagia, and Dyspnea

Purpose: A clinical case of unilateral vocal fold paralysis is presented with case history, auditory-perceptual analysis and accompanying audio files and ratings, videostroboscopic files and ratings, and acoustic analysis, as well as impressions and plan for treatment. Method: A single clinical case of unilateral vocal fold paralysis is presented for learning purposes. Results: Clinical keys are provided for learning. Conclusion: Learners will be able to follow a clinical case to aid in perceptual, videostroboscopic, acoustic, and voice assessment and goal and treatment planning. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16799563

Effect of Medialization on Dyspnea Index in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Objective Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis commonly report dysphonia and dysphagia. Dyspnea also occurs, with studies on treatment-related change producing mixed results. Studies including patient-reported outcomes have focused on single-question global scales. The Dyspnea Index (DI) includes 10 questions, is specific to upper airway–related dyspnea, and may better capture these patients’ symptoms. We evaluated change in DI after treatment. Study Design Retrospective review. Setting Academic medical center. Methods Forty-three patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent injection augmentation (n = 25) or framework surgery (n = 18). DI was recorded preprocedure, 2 to 4 weeks afterward, and at approximately 3 months afterward in 19 patients. Voice Handicap Index–10, Glottal Function Index, Cough Severity Index, and Eating Assessment Tool–10 were also recorded. Change in parameters and correlations were assessed. Obesity, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, and procedure (injection vs framework surgery) were evaluated for effect on DI. Results Twenty-four patients had an abnormal baseline DI (>10). DI decreased from 14.9 ± 13.8 to 6.5 ± 9.3 after treatment ( P < .001; 95% CI, 4.7-12.1). Twenty-eight scores decreased, 9 remained unchanged, and 6 increased. Change in DI was influenced by the presence of cardiac disease. Decreased DI persisted at 3-month follow-up. Voice Handicap Index–10, Glottal Function Index, Cough Severity Index, and Eating Assessment Tool–10 scores decreased and were correlated with change in DI. Conclusion Upper airway–related dyspnea is common in unilateral vocal fold paralysis, occurring in half of this cohort. Correcting glottic insufficiency may alleviate symptoms. Treatment decision making should consider postprocedural change in dyspnea, especially in patients for whom dyspnea is a motivating factor for seeking treatment.