Unilateral True Vocal Fold Synkinesis Presenting with Airway Obstruction

Objectives We present a case series of 10 patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis who presented with airway obstruction. Methods A retrospective review of the authors' patients at 2 institutions with unilateral true vocal fold motion impairment was carried out over a 10-year period. Of these, 10 patients were identified who presented with stridor and dyspnea as a result of synkinesis. Six cases were a result of thyroidectomy, 1 case resulted from recurrent laryngeal nerve section for spasmodic dysphonia, 1 case occurred after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion, and in 2 cases no cause was identified. Results Three patients underwent tracheotomy. Two patients underwent partial arytenoidectomy. Seven patients underwent botulinum toxin injection; 2 were treated with breathing therapy, and in 1 case breathing therapy was recommended. Seven patients underwent treatment with more than 1 method. Conclusions Unilateral vocal fold paralysis may present with airway obstruction as a result of synkinesis. Treatment should be incremental and starts with breathing therapy and botulinum toxin injection. Partial arytenoidectomy or tracheotomy may be necessary for refractory cases.