Vocal cord paralysis: radiologic observations in 21 infants and young children

Abstract

The diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis or paresis was made on direct laryngoscopic examination in 34 infants and children during the past 4 years. Twenty-one of the children were first examined radiographically and fluoroscopically, and the initial diagnosis of cord paralysis was suggested by the radiologist. Our experience suggest that vocal cord paralysis or paresis in an infant or young child is not the rare entity previously reported. In more than half of the children the vocal cord dysfuction was of a transient nature. Awareness of the radiographic and fluoroscopic signs that suggest the diagnosis will aid in the early institution of appropriate supportive therapy.