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Syringomyelia and bilateral vocal fold palsy
C Abraham-Igwe1, I Ahmad, J O'Connell
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Birmingham City Hospital, UK. Cabrahamigwe@hotmail.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|October 23, 2002
Summary
A 35-year-old woman with chronic noisy breathing, initially treated for asthma, was diagnosed with syringomyelia and Chiari type 1 malformation. These conditions caused her breathing difficulties, stridor, and vocal fold palsy, highlighting their importance in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- A 35-year-old female presented with a 15-year history of noisy breathing, misdiagnosed as chronic asthma.
- She experienced an acute exacerbation of dyspnea, leading to emergency department admission.
Observation:
- On examination, the patient exhibited stridor and bilateral abductor vocal fold palsy.
- Diagnostic workup revealed an underlying syringomyelia with an associated Chiari type 1 malformation.
Findings:
- Syringomyelia and Chiari type 1 malformation can manifest as respiratory symptoms, including stridor and vocal fold dysfunction.
- This case underscores the importance of considering neurological conditions in the differential diagnosis of unexplained breathing difficulties in young adults.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of syringomyelia and Chiari malformations is crucial for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes.
- Highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in evaluating complex respiratory symptoms with potential neurological origins.