Unilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy with H1N1 Pneumonia – An Uncommon Presentation

Abstract

Abstract H1N1 pneumonia-associated vocal cord palsy is a rare condition. This case report highlights about a 70-year-old male, with multiple comorbidities, who presented with cough and shortness of breath. During hospitalization, he developed hoarseness of voice. On laryngoscopy, the right vocal cord was paralyzed. He was diagnosed with H1N1-associated right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis. He received steroid therapy for the same and responded well. His voice completely recovered after 2 months. Viral infections are less common but important causes of recurrent nerve palsy. Other than influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Epstein–Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, and varicella-zoster virus can also affect RLN. A detailed history, general examination, and appropriate investigations are important to exclude other possible etiological factors. Unilateral RLN palsy associated with viral infections is usually reversible and responds well to steroids as well as speech therapy.