title: Paradoxical vocal cord motion--a case report.
abstract: Paradoxical vocal cord motion (PVCM) is an unusual cause of stridor, which is associated with some underlying causes, such as central nervous system lesion, gastroesophageal reflux or psychogenic problem. Once a diagnosis of PVCM is made, acute management with reassurance and sedation instead of aggressive airway intervention is required. Speech therapy, psychotherapy combination with anti-reflux medication is considered to be useful in long-term management. We present a 58 year-old male patient who had suffered from several episodes of acute onset of stridor, short of breath and tachypnea since one year ago. He was initially treated as an asthmatic patient with poor response. Aneurysm of ascending aorta by angiography, and mild gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia by panendoscopy were noted. Then, the paradoxical vocal cord motion during inspiration phase was confirmed by flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngoscope after the consultation with an otolaryngologist. The emergency of his air-hunger was relieved quickly after psychological intervention. Now, he is free of stridor attack under anti-reflux therapy and psychotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hung-I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Hsu-Chueh
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Juen-Haur
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins