Short summary

Vocal cord paralysis: how to recognize, how to diagnose, and what should be focused by imaging methods and how often. 

Rationale

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (RLNP) is frequently encountered by otolaryngologists. Many diseases in the head, neck, and thorax regions can cause RLNP, including inflammatory, neoplastic, cerebrovascular, and heart diseases, degenerative, and other diseases. Of these, malignant tumors and trauma including surgery are reported to be the most frequent causes of RLNP. 

Idiopathic RLNP also occurs at a significant frequency, ranging between 1.5 and 41.3%. 

The patients suffered from a variety of symptoms with voice difficulties being the dominating symptom.

Clinical Exam included a fiberoptic laryngoscopy to imaging the vocal cord immobility and glottal closing insufficiens.

At the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Odense University, Denmark radiographic examination included PET-CT and MRI. In patients with unexplained paralysis new CT and MRI after 6 months and usually without any new results.

Spontaneous recovery and improvement of mobility took place in some patients. 

Description of the cohort

A retrospective review of all adults with vocal cord paralysis seen at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Odense University, Denmark from January 1st, 2005- December 31st, 2016. All patients were identified using ICD 10 codes J38.0. 

Data and biological material

A retrospective review of the clinical records.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Otorhinology Odense University Hospital 

• Consultant Camilla Slot Mehlum, PhD
• Doktor Jacob Mølstrøm

Department of Otorhinology, Køge University Hospital 

• Doktor Gitte Hvilsom, PhD