Familial vocal cord dysfunction associated with digital anomalies

• Published in: The Laryngoscope Vol. 100; no. 9; p. 1001
• Main Authors: Hawkins, D B, Liu-Shindo, M, Kahlstrom, E J, MacLaughlin, E F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-1990
• Subjects: Diseases in Twins; Fingers - abnormalities; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pedigree; Vocal Cord Paralysis - congenital; Vocal Cord Paralysis - genetics
• ISSN: 0023-852X
• DOI: 10.1288/00005537-199009000-00015

Familial vocal cord dysfunction is a rare condition that has been reported in only a few instances. This is a report of identical male twins, both of whom had congenital bilateral abductor vocal cord paresis associated with finger deformities. The vocal cord paresis progressed to paralysis that required tracheotomy, then returned to a slowly resolving paresis during which the vocal cords had uncoordinated motion generally known as synkinesis. Another male sibling and the mother had a history of stridor during infancy and finger deformities. Several other relatives had digital abnormalities, and an infant first cousin with finger abnormalities required a tracheotomy for vocal cord paralysis.