Bilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by accidental button battery ingestion in children: A case report and literature review

Button battery ingestion in pediatric populations is a common occurrence with severe sequelae. Multiple case reports have established the occurrence of death, fistula formation, mucosal erosion, esophageal perforation, and bleeding post-ingestion of button batteries. However, there is a gap in the literature on the occurrence of bilateral vocal cord paralysis post-lithium battery ingestion. We present a case in which a 12-month-old male developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis following ingestion of a button battery. We compare our case to eleven other reports that exist in the literature based on age, sex, time until removal, clinical presentation, day upon which vocal cord paralysis developed, anatomic location, and post-operative course. We conclude that bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a time-sensitive complication which requires prompt diagnosis. Any child with stridor following button battery ingestion should undergo consultation with pediatric otolaryngology immediately. In addition, long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate return of normal vocal cord function.

Incidence of Vocal Cord Paralysis in Medullary Thyroid Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that comprises 3-5% of all thyroid cancers in the United States. Vocal cord paralysis (VCP) may be due to involvement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) preoperatively, or nerve sacrifice during surgery. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the incidence of VCP in MTC and evaluate whether VCP has an impact on overall survival.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of patients with MTC treated at Loyola University Medical Center from 2007 to 2021. Information on demographics, cancer diagnosis and treatment, laboratory data, and survival were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients were included in our study. 47 (59.5%) patients were female. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 51.3 years (SD 13.58). VCP was identified in 13 out of 79 (16.5%) patients. There were 71 patients with at least 1-year follow-up with median (Q1, Q3) years of 7.2 (3.9, 11.0). Those with VCP within 1 year had 7.2 (95% CI: 2.3, 22.7) times the risk of death compared to those without (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MTC is a rare thyroid cancer, however, its incidence is on the rise. Our study suggests that the incidence of VCP in these patients appears to be higher than seen in other thyroid malignancies, and VCP is associated with a statistically significant negative impact on survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:890-894, 2023.

A Simple and Reproducible In Vivo Rabbit Phonation Model for Glottic Insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to describe an in vivo rabbit phonation model for glottic insufficiency that is simple and reproducible by means of unilateral transcricothyroid laryngeal muscle stimulation and high-speed video recordings of evoked phonation.

STUDY DESIGN

Nonrandomized controlled animal trial.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

METHODS

A single operation including evoked phonation with bilateral and unilateral transcricothyroid laryngeal muscle stimulation conditions was modeled using 6 New Zealand white rabbits. The effect of stimulation method on glottic cycle, pitch, and loudness was compared. Endoscopic recordings using 5000 frames-per-second image capture technology and audiologic recordings were obtained for all phonation conditions. Primary outcome measures included means of maximum glottal area (MGA)/length pixel ratio, right and left amplitude/length pixel ratios, calculated cycle frequency, auditory recorded frequency, and maximum auditory intensity. Measurements were obtained via pixel counts using ImageJ.

RESULTS

Mean MGA/length was significantly greater with unilateral, 20.30, vs bilateral, 9.62, stimulation (P = .043). Mean frequency of 479.92 Hz vs 683.46 Hz (P = .027) and mean maximum intensity of 76.3 dB vs 83.5 dB (P = .013) were significantly increased from unilateral to bilateral stimulation. There was no significant difference in mean right amplitude/length between unilateral and bilateral.

CONCLUSION

The described model demonstrates a simple and reproducible means of producing glottic insufficiency due to unilateral vocal fold bowing and represents a pathway for better understanding the biomechanics and pathophysiology of glottic insufficiency due to superior laryngeal nerve injury and vocal fold immobility and offers the potential to compare treatment modalities through in vivo study.

A Simple and Reproducible In Vivo Rabbit Phonation Model for Glottic Insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to describe an in vivo rabbit phonation model for glottic insufficiency that is simple and reproducible by means of unilateral transcricothyroid laryngeal muscle stimulation and high-speed video recordings of evoked phonation.

STUDY DESIGN

Nonrandomized controlled animal trial.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

METHODS

A single operation including evoked phonation with bilateral and unilateral transcricothyroid laryngeal muscle stimulation conditions was modeled using 6 New Zealand white rabbits. The effect of stimulation method on glottic cycle, pitch, and loudness was compared. Endoscopic recordings using 5000 frames-per-second image capture technology and audiologic recordings were obtained for all phonation conditions. Primary outcome measures included means of maximum glottal area (MGA)/length pixel ratio, right and left amplitude/length pixel ratios, calculated cycle frequency, auditory recorded frequency, and maximum auditory intensity. Measurements were obtained via pixel counts using ImageJ.

RESULTS

Mean MGA/length was significantly greater with unilateral, 20.30, vs bilateral, 9.62, stimulation (P = .043). Mean frequency of 479.92 Hz vs 683.46 Hz (P = .027) and mean maximum intensity of 76.3 dB vs 83.5 dB (P = .013) were significantly increased from unilateral to bilateral stimulation. There was no significant difference in mean right amplitude/length between unilateral and bilateral.

CONCLUSION

The described model demonstrates a simple and reproducible means of producing glottic insufficiency due to unilateral vocal fold bowing and represents a pathway for better understanding the biomechanics and pathophysiology of glottic insufficiency due to superior laryngeal nerve injury and vocal fold immobility and offers the potential to compare treatment modalities through in vivo study.

Pseudo-pheochromocytoma due to obstructive sleep apnea: a case report

SUMMARY

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition of intermittent nocturnal upper airway obstruction. OSA increases sympathetic drive which may result in clinical and biochemical features suggestive of pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a 2.9-cm left adrenal incidentaloma on CT, hypertension, symptoms of headache, anxiety and diaphoresis, and persistently elevated 24-h urine norepinephrine (initially 818 nmol/day (89-470)) and normetanephrine (initially 11.2 µmol/day (0.6-2.7)). He was started on prazosin and underwent left adrenalectomy. Pathology revealed an adrenal corticoadenoma with no evidence of pheochromocytoma. Over the next 2 years, urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine remained significantly elevated with no MIBG avid disease. Years later, he was diagnosed with severe OSA and treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Urine testing done once OSA was well controlled revealed complete normalization of urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine with substantial symptom improvement. It was concluded that the patient never had a pheochromocytoma but rather an adrenal adenoma with biochemistry and symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma due to untreated severe OSA. Pseudo-pheochromocytoma is a rare presentation of OSA and should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines in the right clinical setting.

LEARNING POINTS

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition among adults. OSA may rarely present as pseudo-pheochromocytoma with symptoms of pallor, palpitations, perspiration, headache, or anxiety. OSA should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines, especially in patients with negative metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan results.

A Cerebrovascular Accident Presenting With Bilateral Vocal Cord Paresis

Diagnosing a stroke requires careful attention to clinical indicators on physical exam, especially the more subtle manifestations of cerebellar lesions. An 85-year-old male with vascular risk factors and new-onset atrial fibrillation was admitted for left upper extremity weakness, headaches, and tremors. The patient developed stridor during hospitalization and was found to have a new cerebellar infarct with hemorrhagic transformation on computed tomography (CT) of the head, with laryngoscopy showing bilateral vocal cord paresis. While strokes outside of the cerebellum are a known cause of unilateral vocal cord paresis, cerebellar strokes are a rare culprit and rarely cause bilateral cord paresis. Consideration beyond the more common pulmonary and iatrogenic causes of vocal cord paresis should be considered, with particular attention to stroke.

Nasogastric Tube Syndrome: The Size and Type of the Nasogastric Tube May Contribute to the Development of Nasogastric Tube Syndrome

Nasogastric tube syndrome (NGTS) is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with nasogastric tube (NGT) placement. The effect of the NGT size and type on the development of NGTS has not yet been fully elucidated. We herein report the case of a 77-year-old man with cerebral infarction who was complicated with NGTS. The immediate removal of the NGT improved the symptoms of NGTS. Although the NGT was passed through the same route during reinsertion, the use of a softer and smaller-sized NGT did not cause any NGTS recurrence. To prevent the development of NGTS, using a NGT that is appropriate for the patient's condition is important.

Patient Self-Assessment and Acoustic Voice Analysis in Screening of Postoperative Vocal Fold Paresis and Paralysis

Background and objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of two items in vocal fold paresis and paralysis screening after thyroid and parathyroid surgery: patient self-assessment of voice using the Voice Handicap Index and computer-based acoustic voice analysis using the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of 181 patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid surgery over a 1-year study period (2017). Preoperatively, all patients underwent laryngoscopic vocal fold inspection and acoustic voice analysis, and they completed the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. Postoperatively, all patients underwent laryngoscopy prior to hospital discharge; 2 weeks after the surgery, they completed the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire a second time. Two weeks postoperatively, patients with vocal fold paresis or paralysis and 20 randomly selected controls without vocal fold paresis or paralysis underwent a follow-up acoustic voice analysis.

Results:

Fourteen patients had a new postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis. Postoperatively, the total Voice Handicap Index score was significantly higher (p = 0.040) and the change between preoperative and postoperative scores was greater (p = 0.028) in vocal fold paresis or paralysis patients. A total postoperative Voice Handicap Index score > 30 had 55% sensitivity, and 90% specificity, for vocal fold paresis or paralysis. In the postoperative Multi-Dimensional Voice Program analysis, vocal fold paresis or paralysis patients had significantly more jitter (p = 0.044). Postoperative jitter > 1.33 corresponded to 55% sensitivity, and 95% specificity, for vocal fold paresis or paralysis.

Conclusions:

In identifying postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis, patient self-assessment and jitter in acoustic voice analysis have high specificity but poor sensitivity. Without routine laryngoscopy, approximately half of the patients with postoperative vocal fold paresis or paralysis could be overlooked. However, if the patient has no complaints of voice disturbance 2 weeks after thyroid or parathyroid surgery, the likelihood of vocal fold paresis or paralysis is low.

Laryngeal Evaluation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Transcervical Laryngeal Ultrasonography

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has quickly become a global pandemic since its initial outbreak in China in late 2019. Institutions are faced with the challenge of upholding the standard of care while maintaining safety for health care personnel and patients. Due to the common performance of aerosol-generating endoscopic procedures in the upper respiratory tract, otolaryngologists are at uniquely high risk for potential infection. When possible, alternative diagnostic and treatment strategies should be pursued. For patients suspected of having functional laryngeal abnormalities, transcervical laryngeal ultrasound provides a rapid and noninvasive evaluation of vocal fold motion to inform decisions about safety of feeding, airway, and progression of care.

Incidence of vocal cord paresis following ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block: An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) has become a standard practice for perioperative analgesia for shoulder procedures. However, several side effects may occur owing to its anatomic location. We have chosen to evaluate vocal cord paresis and dysphonia following interscalene blocks.

METHODS

After IRB approval, eight patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder procedures were recruited into this prospective cohort study. Following informed consent, vocal cords were assessed by standardized fiberoptic evaluation. Subsequently, IBPB was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance. Patients were re-evaluated for vocal cord changes by a repeat fiberoptic assessment one hour following IBPB. Our primary outcome measure was incidence of vocal cord immobility.

RESULTS

No patients had diminished vocal cord motion, dysphonia, or dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS

Although larger studies are required to determine the true incidence of vocal cord paresis following US-guided IBPB, our results suggest that incidence of unwanted nerve blockade other than brachial plexus is much lower than that previously described.

Delayed bilateral vocal cord paresis after a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block and endotracheal intubation: A lesson why we should use low concentrated local anesthetics for continuous blocks

RATIONALE

Recurrent laryngeal nerve block is an uncommon complication that can occur after an interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), which may lead to vocal cord palsy or paresis. However, if the recurrent laryngeal nerve is blocked in patients with a preexisting contralateral vocal cord palsy following neck surgery, this may lead to devastating acute respiratory failure. Thus, ISB is contraindicated in patients with contralateral vocal cord lesion. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of bilateral vocal cord paresis, which occurred after a continuous ISB and endotracheal intubation in a patient with no history of vocal cord injury or surgery of the neck.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 59 year old woman was planned for open acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair under general anesthesia. General anesthesia was induced following an ISB using 0.2% ropivacaine and catheter insertion for postoperative pain control.

DIAGNOSES

While recovering in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), however, the patient complained of a sore throat and hoarseness without respiratory insufficiency. On the morning of the first postoperative day, she still complained of mild dyspnea, dysphonia, and slight aspiration. She was subsequently diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paresis following an endoscopic laryngoscopy examination.

INTERVENTIONS

The continuous ISB catheter was immediately removed and the dyspnea and hoarseness symptoms improved, although mild aspiration during drinking water was still present.

OUTCOMES

On the 4th postoperative day, a laryngoscopy examination revealed that the right vocal cord movement had returned to normal but that the left vocal cord paresis still remained.

LESSONS

When ISB is planned, a detailed history-taking and examination of the airway are essential for patient safety and we recommend that any local anesthetics be carefully injected under ultrasound guidance. We also recommend the use of low concentration of local anesthetics to avoid possible paralysis of the vocal cord.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury after thyroid and parathyroid surgery: Incidence and postoperative evolution assessment

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a feared complication after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. It induces important postoperative morbidity. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of transient/permanent postoperative RLN injuries after thyroid and parathyroid surgery in the present cohort, to observe the timing of recovery, and to identify risk factors for permanent RLN injury after thyroidectomy.All consecutive patients operated on at our institution for thyroid and parathyroid pathologies from 2005 to 2013 were reviewed for vocal cord paresis. Vocal cord paresis was defined based on postoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Treatment types were assessed, and recovery times collected. Patients with vocal cord paresis on preoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy were excluded from the analysis.The cohort included 451 thyroidectomies (756 nerves at risk) and 197 parathyroidectomies (276 nerves at risk). There were 63 postoperative vocal cord pareses after thyroidectomy and 13 after parathyroidectomy. Sixty-nine were transient (10.6%) and 7 permanent (1.1%). The main performed treatment was speech therapy in 51% (39/76) of the patients. Median recovery time after transient injuries was 8 weeks. In the group with vocal cord paresis, risk factors for permanent injuries after thyroidectomy were previous thyroidectomy and intraoperative RLN injury on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, only intraoperative RLN injury remained significant.Most of the patients with transient postoperative RLN injury recovered normal vocal cord mobility within 6 months. The most common performed treatment was in this cohort speech therapy. Permanent RLN injuries remained rare (1.1%).

Role of Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring During Parathyroidectomy to Prevent Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury

Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a well known, though less frequent, complication of parathyroid surgery. In recent years, the use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) has gained popularity amongst surgeons when operating on thyroid gland; however, its utilization in parathyroid surgery is not established. This trend continues to rise, despite multiple studies documenting no statistically significant difference that IONM decreases the incidence of RLN injury. Most surgeons use this technology as an adjunct to visualization alone for identification of RLN. The purpose of this review is to discuss the possible role of IONM in parathyroid surgery with regards to the accuracy, efficacy, and recent trends in the utilization of this technology. There is insufficient evidence that IONM reduces the risk of RLN injury in parathyroidectomy. Although IONM may decrease the likelihood of nerve injury by helping to identify and map the RLN during thyroidectomy, we did not find studies exclusive to parathyroid surgery to see if its use can be supported for parathyroidectomy. Despite this lack of evidence, we believe that IONM is a promising adjunct to visualization alone in detecting nerve structures during neck dissection, but more clinical trials are warranted to establish its role in preventing nerve injury in parathyroid surgery.

Left brachiocephalic vein stenosis and infectious aortitis: two unusual causes of Ortner's syndrome

Ortner's syndrome (also known as cardiovocal syndrome) is defined as hoarseness due to compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by an enlarged left atrium or enlarged thoracic vessels. We describe two cases of Ortner's syndrome with an unusual underlying vascular pathology. In the first patient, Ortner's syndrome was a consequence of left brachiocephalic vein stenosis resulting in collateral circulation filling the aorto-pulmonary window. The second patient developed a thoracic aortic aneurysm due infectious aortitis. Both patients required careful scrutiny in differential diagnosis because of their complex past medical history and concomitant diseases.