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Neoplastic meningitis presenting with dysphagia and bilateral vocal cord paralysis

Peter R Dixon1, Hussain Alsaffar, Sean P Symons

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Laryngoscope
|February 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Neoplastic meningitis, a rare complication of cancer, can cause vocal cord paralysis. Early diagnosis in patients with metastatic disease is crucial for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Neoplastic meningitis involves tumor cell infiltration of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space.
  • It affects 3% to 5% of patients with systemic malignancies, presenting with diverse neurological symptoms.

Observation:

  • This report details the first known case of neoplastic meningitis leading to bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
  • The patient's presentation highlights an unusual neurological manifestation of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.

Findings:

  • Neoplastic meningitis can manifest with symptoms beyond typical central nervous system involvement.
  • Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is identified as a potential, albeit rare, symptom of this condition.

Implications:

  • Considering neoplastic meningitis in the differential diagnosis of bilateral vocal cord paralysis is essential.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment in patients with a history of metastatic cancer can improve prognosis and survival.
Keywords:
Vocal cord paralysiscranial nerve neoplasmsmeningeal neoplasms

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