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Pediatric Airway Surgery pp 107–117Cite as

Vocal Cord Paralysis (VCP)

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Abstract

In the paediatric population, BVCP is the second most common congenital laryngeal anomaly, and its prevalence (∼10–15%) in newborns is four to six times lower than that of laryngomalacia (∼60% of the cases). A mild inspiratory stridor along with a hoarse, breathy cry and feeding difficulties (aspiration) are suggestive of UVCP. In contrast, a high-pitched inspiratory stridor with a normal voice, apnoeic spells and cyanosis are consistent with BVCP. Awake transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TNFL) is essential to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Yet, interpretation of this test may not be straightforward for the following reasons: global pharyngolaryngeal movements overlying supraglottic structures, retention of secretions and large overhanging arytenoids obscuring the abductive movements of the vocal cords.

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  1. Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Philippe Monnier

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  1. , Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery De, University Hospital CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, 1011, Switzerland

    Philippe Monnier

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Monnier, P. (2011). Vocal Cord Paralysis (VCP). In: Monnier, P. (eds) Pediatric Airway Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13535-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13535-4_7

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