Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:45
Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Left vocal cord paralysis in systemic lupus erythematosus
1Department of Neurology, King George Hospital, London, UK. Michael.Hughes83@hotmail.co.uk
Modern Rheumatology
|May 22, 2009
Summary
Left vocal cord palsy, a rare systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complication, can occur during disease flares. While immunosuppression may offer partial relief, other factors can contribute to vocal fold palsy in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Vocal cord palsy (VCP) is a recognized, albeit rare, complication of SLE.
Observation:
- A case of a male patient experiencing acute left vocal fold palsy (VCP) during an SLE flare is presented.
- Initial immunosuppression treatment resulted in only partial improvement of the VCP.
Findings:
- Vocal cord palsy in SLE can stem from recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
- Other potential etiologies include mucosal ulceration, vasculitis, and pulmonary hypertension, impacting phonation.
- Limited literature exists on diagnosing and treating VCP specifically in the context of SLE.
Implications:
- Highlights the multifactorial nature of VCP in SLE, extending beyond nerve palsy.
- Underscores the need for further research into effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for VCP in SLE patients.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering VCP in SLE patients presenting with voice abnormalities.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
01:21Larynx
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.