Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2002 Jun;45(6):608-612.

A Study of the Natural Course and Radiologic Findings in the Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy Originating from Acute Cerebral Lesions

• Ryu JS
• Choi JS
• Park YK
• Kim WN

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a potentially life-threating problem, but it accompanies a relatively rare complication of acute cerebral lesions. We attempted to estimate the usefulness of radiologic studies as predictive factors of recovery from this condition. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Five patients who developed acute respiratory failure after acute ischemic stroke were included in the study and followed up. Radiologic studies (CT or MRI) were performed to localize the brain lesions. Bilateral vocal cord paralyses were confirmed by rigid or fiberoptic laryngoscopy.
RESULTS
Recovery of vocal cord mobility was observed in three patients. Vocal cord paralysis was not resolved in two patients with lateral medullary infarction and large subcortical infarction.
CONCLUSION
Bilateral vocal cord paralyses resulting from acute cerebral lesions have different prognoses according to their location and extent. Therefore, radiological studies may be useful for predicting the recovery of centrally originated bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Keyword

Vocal cord paralysis; Cerebrovascular accident; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Brain
Cerebral Infarction
Humans
Infarction
Laryngoscopy
Prognosis
Respiratory Insufficiency
Stroke
Vocal Cord Paralysis*
Vocal Cords*