Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient

A 41-yr-old woman with hoarseness, multiple joint pain, and generalized myalgia was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 7 mos before visiting our clinic. SLE-related vocal cord palsy of the left side was identified after otolaryngologic evaluation. We performed laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) on both cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles. The findings indicated left recurrent laryngeal neuropathy with ongoing processes of denervation and reinnervation. Laryngeal involvement is a rare complication of SLE, but it is of clinical significance because serious consequence such as upper-airway obstruction can occur. LEMG identified this complication and precisely defined the neuromuscular status, and this information assisted in creating a therapeutic plan. LEMG may be useful for evaluating the neuromuscular status in vocal cord palsy.