Unilateral true vocal fold paralysis: Cause of right-sided lesions

At the Georgetown University Center for the Voice, 778 patients were referr ed for evaluation between July 1, 1990, and June 30, 1995. During this 5-ye ar period, right true vocal fold paralysis or paresis was diagnosed in 24 o f these patients (3%). Videostroboscopy, voice analysis, and patient record s were reviewed. Ages ranged from 23 to 80 years, and sex distribution appr oximated a 1:1 ratio. The patients presenting symptoms included hoarseness, dysphagia, choking, voice pitch change, voice weakness, fatigability, and breathiness. Sources of the vocal fold dysfunction included iatrogenic, tra umatic, central, and infectious causes.