Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2012 May;55(5):308-311. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.5.308.

A Case of Carbon Dioxide Narcosis Following Tracheotomy in Chronic Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Patient

• Moon SP
• Jeong BS
• Yang HC
• Woo JH

• KMID: 1978176
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.5.308

Abstract

Failure of pulmonary ventilation capacity results in carbon dioxide (CO2) retention. When this produces loss of consciousness, it is called CO2 narcosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common cause of CO2 retention. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a typical disorder resulting in upper airway obstruction. However, bilateral vocal cord paralysis has been rarely documented in the chronic course of obstructive diseases related to the ear/nose/throat because its symptoms are relatively obvious. A 49-year-old man who complained of hoarseness and dyspnea for several years was diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. CO2 narcosis occurred after tracheostomy and laser posterior cordotomy had been applied to relieve dyspnea. Details of the case are provided along with a review of the relevant literature.

Keyword

Carbon dioxide; Narcosis; Vocal cord paralysis

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Carbon
Carbon Dioxide
Cordotomy
Dyspnea
Hoarseness
Humans
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Ventilation
Retention (Psychology)
Stupor
Tracheostomy
Tracheotomy
Unconsciousness
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cords
Carbon
Carbon Dioxide