title: Vocal cord dysfunction presenting as refractory asthma.
abstract: Vocal cord dysfunction is a rare variety of upper airway obstruction characterized by typical laryngoscopic features and may mimic an acute asthma attack. The case presented in this report pertains to a 15-year-old girl who had repeated acute episodes of dyspnoea and wheezing and remained non-responsive to corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators requiring endotracheal intubations for adequate control. Laryngoscopic findings were consistent with vocal cord dysfunction. She was treated with a tracheostomy and psychological support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. jcsurijc@del3.vsnl.net.in
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Suri
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chakrabarti
authors.forename: Chitra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*