Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Adults: Etiological Factors in Yemen

Abstract

Background: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis is common finding in otolaryngology practice. It is not a diagnosis by itself. The exact incidence of unilateral vocal fold paralysis has been difficult to find out because of multiple reasons. Various etiologies known to cause this condition are neck surgery, cancer, neck trauma, and neurological disorders.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the possible etiologies of unilateral vocal fold paralysis in adult patients.

Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted at OtoLaryngology Department, Al-Thawra Teaching Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen, between January 2014-June 2018. Patients have unilateral vocal fold paralysis were enrolling in this study. All patients underwent to history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and radiological studies, X- ray, CT, MRI).                                                                    

Results: A total of 80 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, males59 (73.6%), females 21(26.4%). Age ranged from18-80 years, mean age 51.5years Left vocal fold paralysis (72.5%), while right side was (27.5%). Peripheral causes (93.7%). Idiopathic (32.5%), malignancy (31.2%), trauma (21.2%), TB (7.5%), while central causes were (6.3%), and Guillain Barre (GB) syndrome (1.3%).

Conclusion: Left vocal fold paralysis was the most common finding. Idiopathic was the most common cause, flowed by malignancies and trauma. Thyroidectomy continues to be the single most surgical procedures responsible for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. For this reason, pre and post thyroidectomy laryngoscopy should be considered in all patients undergoing thyroid surgeries