Bilateral vocal cord dysfunction complicating short-term intubation and the utility of heliox.
Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is an extremely rare complication of short-term endotracheal intubation. Its etiology following intubation is likely due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury on intubation. The anterior ramus of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is especially susceptible to pressure injury in intubated patients. Heliox is reported as a successful means of decreasing the work of breathing in upper airway obstruction via decreases in airway resistance. Two cases of bilateral vocal cord dysfunction following short-term intubation are reported. The first case of bilateral vocal cord paresis treated with Heliox is described.
Christopher
Kenneth
K
The Miriam Hospital, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
Arbelaez
Christian
C
Yodice
Paul C
PC
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006371:Helium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*
D006371:Helium; C038949:heliox; D010100:Oxygen