Bilateral vocal cord paralysis after meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae

We report the clinical course of a 15-month-old boy who had fever, decreased activity, and weakness, with severe respiratory distress during transport to the hospital. Laboratory evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. He was intubated on arrival and required 4 days of ventilatory support. Soon after extubation, he had marked stridor and dyspnea that were unresponsive to standard therapy with nebulized racemic epinephrine and intravenous dexamethasone. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed nonspecific findings, and airway endoscopy showed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Repeated endoscopy showed no improvement in vocal cord function and a deficient swallowing mechanism. Tracheostomy was done to facilitate airway management before discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit. We propose that the diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis must be considered in patients with meningitis and respiratory compromise.