Vocal cord dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: four cases and a review of the literature.
We describe 4 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and glottic narrowing due to vocal cord dysfunction, and review the literature found using the following search terms: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, motor neuron disease, stridor, laryngospasm, vocal cord abductor paresis, and hoarseness. Neurological literature rarely reports vocal cord dysfunction in ALS, in contrast to otolaryngology literature (4%-30% of patients with ALS). Both infranuclear and supranuclear mechanisms may play a role. Vocal cord dysfunction can occur at any stage of disease and may account for sudden death in ALS. Treatment of severe cases includes acute airway management and tracheotomy.
van der Graaff
Maaike M
MM
Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, 1100 DD Amsterdam, the Netherlands. m.m.vandergraaff@amc.uva.nl
Grolman
Wilko
W
Westermann
Erik J
EJ
Boogaardt
Hans C
HC
Koelman
Hans
H
van der Kooi
Anneke J
AJ
Tijssen
Marina A
MA
de Visser
Marianne
M
D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology*