Bilateral vocal cord paralysis and hypothyroidism as presenting symptoms of Williams–Beuren syndrome: A case report

Abstract Williams–Beuren syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deletion of 1.5–1.8 Mb genes on chromosome 7q11.23. The syndrome was first described as a triad of supra-valvular aortic stenosis, mental retardation, and distinctive facial features. Our patient was referred due to audible inspiratory stridor when he was seven days old. Following endoscopy he was diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and was eventually intubated due to respiratory de-compensation followed by tracheotomy. On further workup he was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Genetic workup supported the diagnosis of Williams–Beuren syndrome. We report here a case with an unusual clinical presentation.