Paradoxical Vocal Cord Movement: A Unique Case of Occurrence and Treatment

Abstract

Paradoxical vocal cord movement (PVCM) is a well-described condition that involves adduction of the vocal cords on inspiration, which in turn causes stridor and respiratory distress.1–3We report a unique case of severe PVCM wherein a patient had severe PVCM immediately after treatment of the disease with botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injection of the vocal cords; the PVCM was immediately and dramatically successfully treated with a small dose of intravenous sedation without any further life-threatening symptoms.A 30-yr-old woman was scheduled to undergo direct laryngoscopy and Botox injection to the vocal cords for PVCM. Four weeks and 1 week before the procedure, she had been tracheally intubated, mechanically ventilated for 1–2 days, and then extubated. Just before the first tracheal intubation, PVCM was diagnosed fiberoptically. The patient also had a medical history notable for anorexia, bulimia, and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease. After the uncomplicated induction of general anesthesia, paralysis with succinylcholine, and tracheal intubation, the true vocal cords were injected with 2.5 U Botox in each thyroarytenoid space. After the 20-min procedure, the patient was fully awake, extubation criteria were met, and the patient was extubated. She was transported to the postanesthesia care unit receiving oxygen by facemask. During transport to the postanesthesia care unit, she reported chest tightness, began having audible stridor, and reported that she was unable to breathe as she forcibly removed her oxygen mask. She had no pain but continued to report chest tightness and inability to breathe and now had loud, disturbing inspiratory stridor. She was given 2 mg intravenous midazolam, which resulted in immediate resolution of all of her impressive and concerning symptoms. She remained well oxygenated on room air, remained stable, and was void of stridor until her discharge to home 2 days later.In summary, we present a unique case of PVCM that was treated with Botox, which was quickly followed by an episode of severe stridor, which immediately resolved with intravenous midazolam. The dramatic response to a small amount of sedation highlights the importance of underlying psychogenic responses in some of these patients. The case report highlights the delay that may occur in the action of Botox and severe symptoms that may occur immediately after the procedure.*UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, California. jbenumof@ucsd.edu