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Hereditary abductor vocal cord paralysis
Insights
This study details familial bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis in a father and two sons. Early tracheostomy ensured normal development, unlike previous cases without surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis is a rare condition affecting the larynx.
- Hereditary forms of this condition have been previously reported, often with associated developmental issues.
Observation:
- A family presented with three affected members (father and two sons) exhibiting familial bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis.
- Onset of stridor varied between six months and nine years of age.
- All affected individuals underwent tracheostomy for management.
Findings:
- Affected individuals demonstrated normal development and intelligence following tracheostomy.
- This contrasts with prior reports where non-surgical management was linked to mental retardation.
Implications:
- Tracheostomy appears to be a critical intervention for preventing anoxia and ensuring normal development in familial bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis.
- Nonsurgical management of apparent vocal cord paralysis may carry risks of severe complications like anoxia due to laryngeal obstruction.
Abstract:
Familial bilateral abductor cord paralysis was described in the father and two sons of a family in which the ramaining siblings (obe boy and three girls) were normal. The onset of stridor ranged from six months to nine years after birth in these patients who were all treated with a tracheostomy. Normal development and intelligence was experienced by all three patients. Since previous reports of hereditary abductor cord paralysis described mental retardation in all patients who were maintained without tracheostomy, anoxia from unrelieved laryngeal obstruction may be a significant complication following nonsurgical management of patients who appear to tolerate bilateral abductor vocal cord paralysis.