3 CASES OF PARADOXICAL VOCAL CORD ADDUCTION FOLLOWED UP OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD

Paradoxical vocal cord adduction (PVCA) is a rare disorder that may pr esent with symptoms similar to asthma. Incorrect diagnosis may result in patients being unwittingly treated with prolonged high doses of ant iasthma medication. PVCA probably forms part of a spectrum of uncommon and complex breathing disorders related to laryngeal dysfunction. Her ein, we describe three cam of PVCA that illustrate the spectrum of cli nical and physiologic presentation and the long-term natural history o ver a 10-year follow-up period. We conclude that PVCA, contrary to pre vious reports, is not always a benign condition; it may feature marked hypoxemia, fail to respond to previously advocated therapeutic strate gies and can persist on a long-term basis.