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Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction: when a wheeze is not asthma.
W C Chiang1, A Goh, L Ho
1Department of Paediatric Medicine, KK Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899. chiang.wen.chin@kkh.com.sg
Singapore Medical Journal
|April 18, 2008
Summary
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) mimics asthma but can be diagnosed with exercise testing, which reveals unique breathing loop changes. Video laryngoscopy remains the definitive diagnostic method for VCD.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Laryngology
Background:
- Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is an uncommon condition often misdiagnosed as asthma.
- VCD involves paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration.
Observation:
- The study presents two female siblings diagnosed with VCD.
- Pulmonary function tests were normal at rest.
Findings:
- Exercise testing revealed characteristic abnormalities in breathing loops, including blunted expiratory and attenuated inspiratory loops, unique to VCD.
- Video laryngoscopy confirmed the diagnosis and is considered the gold standard.
Implications:
- Exercise testing offers a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic aid for VCD in select patients.
- This highlights the importance of considering VCD in asthma-like presentations and utilizing specialized diagnostic tools.
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