Chiari Type I malformation and upper airway obstruction in adolescents.
Chiari Type I malformation is characterized by cerebellar tonsil herniation through the foramen magnum. Manifestations may include new-onset upper airway obstruction. We describe two patients who had bilateral vocal cord paralysis and Chiari Type I malformation. These cases highlight the importance of suspecting a neurologic abnormality such as Chiari malformation in new-onset upper airway obstruction and/or bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adolescents in the absence of an obstructive lesion, though the development of cranial neuropathies or radiographic evidence may be delayed. Establishing a proper diagnosis is critical as Chiari I malformation can be treated with neurosurgical decompression, with possible improvement.
Wynn
Rhoda
R
Department of Otolaryngology, Downstate Medical Center at Brooklyn, State University of New York, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 126, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. rhoda_wynn@hotmail.com
Goldsmith
Ari J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery