Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Presenting With Hoarseness-A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Neurology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Unilateral vocal cord paralysis frequently presents with voice changes in otolaryngology practices.
• Common causes include recurrent laryngeal nerve injury from surgery, trauma, or tumor compression.
• Less common etiologies affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve pathway can also lead to vocal cord paralysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
• To identify diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis as an unusual etiology for vocal cord paralysis.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient presenting with unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
• Review of the patient's medical history and diagnostic findings.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with voice changes indicative of unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
• The underlying cause identified was diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Conclusions:

• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a rare but potential cause of unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
• This finding expands the differential diagnosis for vocal cord paralysis beyond common etiologies.
• Clinicians should consider less common conditions when evaluating patients with vocal cord paralysis.