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Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction in an infant with stridor and gastroesophageal reflux

D G Heatley1, E Swift

  • 1University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792, USA.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

This study reports the youngest infant diagnosed with Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD), linked to gastroesophageal reflux. Early reflux treatment resolved the infant's stridor, suggesting reflux as a key cause for PVCD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD) is a condition characterized by abnormal adduction of the vocal cords during respiration.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition in infants, involving the retrograde flow of stomach contents into the esophagus.
  • Vocal cord dysfunction can be triggered by various factors, including irritants and underlying medical conditions.

Observation:

  • A 4-month-old infant presented with intermittent stridor, a high-pitched breathing sound.
  • The infant's stridor symptoms were directly associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
  • Prompt improvement in stridor was observed following the initiation of GER treatment.

Findings:

  • The infant was diagnosed with Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD) secondary to gastroesophageal reflux.
  • This case represents the youngest documented patient with PVCD in medical literature.
  • The findings suggest a strong etiological link between GER and PVCD in infants.

Implications:

  • This case highlights GER as a potential cause of PVCD in very young infants.
  • It underscores the importance of considering and treating GER in infants presenting with stridor.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the multifaceted etiologies of PVCD in pediatric populations.

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