PEDIATRICS Vol. 76 No. 5 November 1985, pp. 750-753
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Familial Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Michael J. Cunningham MD1, Roland D. Eavey MD1, and Daniel C. Shannon MD1

1 From the Department of Otolaryngology of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, the Pediatric Pulmonary Research Unit and Children's Service of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics of the Harvard Medical School, Boston

Vocal cord paralysis is a common cause of neonatal stridor. Familial vocal cord dysfunction, however, is unusual. All three siblings in one family had neonatal stridor. Vocal cord dysfunction was confirmed after endoscopic examination in two of the children; a temporary tracheotomy was required by one child. Results of evaluation, including pulmonary function tests, suggest discrete dysfunction localized to the neuromuscular pathway responsible for vocal cord abduction. Endoscopy is of prime importance in the diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction. In considering therapy, the physician must weigh both the potentially life-threatening nature of vocal cord paralysis, as well as the likelihood of eventual spontaneous resolution of many familial and idiopathic cases.

Key Words: neonatal stridor • vocal cord paralysis • vocal cord paresis • heredity • nucleus ambiguus

Submitted on June 25, 1984
Accepted on February 7, 1985




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