Korean J Stroke.  2012 Aug;14(2):89-91.

A Case of Airway Obstruction Caused by Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy in a Patient with Lateral Medullary Infarction

• Chung SJ
• Yi H
• Song TJ
• Song D
• Nam HS
• Heo JH
• Kim YD

Abstract

Lateral medullary infarction can lead to central respiratory failure. However, in Wallenberg's syndrome, obstructive respiratory failure rarely develops. Here, we report a case of obstructive respiratory failure with stridor caused by unilateral lateral medullary infarction. A 74-year-old woman was admitted for acute right lateral medullary infarction. On the 12th day after the stroke, the patient developed respiratory failure necessitating endotracheal intubation. She could maintain good oxygen saturation and ventilation in intubated status without the assistance of mechanical ventilator, even during sleep. The pharyngo-laryngoscopy demonstrated the hypomobility of bilateral vocal cords. This case suggests that unilateral medullary infarction might be a cause of bilateral vocal cord palsy.

Keyword

Vocal cord paralysis; Brain stem infarctions; Medulla oblongata; Respiratory insufficiency

MeSH Terms

Aged
Airway Obstruction
Brain Stem Infarctions
Female
Humans
Infarction
Intubation, Intratracheal
Lateral Medullary Syndrome
Medulla Oblongata
Oxygen
Respiratory Insufficiency
Respiratory Sounds
Stroke
Ventilation
Ventilators, Mechanical
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cords
Oxygen