Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis by compression from a tracheal diverticulum

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Tracheal diverticulum is a rare outpouching of the tracheal wall, often found incidentally.
• It can be congenital or acquired, with nonspecific symptoms like cough or dyspnea when present.

Observation:

• A case of dysphonia (hoarseness) was observed.
• The cause was identified as compression of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve by a tracheal diverticulum.

Findings:

• Computed tomography and bronchoscopy confirmed the tracheal lesion.
• Histologic examination would further classify the diverticulum as congenital or acquired.

Implications:

• This case highlights an unusual cause of recurrent laryngeal nerve compression and dysphonia.
• Surgical resection is an effective treatment for symptomatic tracheal diverticula.