AIRWAY FLUOROSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS OF VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME

Background: Vocal cord dysfunction syndrome is often misdiagnosed as r efractory asthma. Airway fluoroscopy has recently been proposed as an alternative to laryngoscopy in the initial evaluation of certain cases of suspected vocal cord dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the use o f airway radiographs and fluoroscopy in a patient with suspected vocal cord dysfunction. Methods: We used soft tissue technique airway radio graphs and fluoroscopy to evaluate thr glottic function during inspira tion and expiration in a 9-year-old boy with refractory asthma and sus pected vocal cord dysfunction. Results: The study confirmed paradoxica l vocal cord motion. Conclusions: Airway radiographs and fluoroscopy p rovide a rapid and noninvasive means of diagnosing vocal cord dysfunct ion. Patients should still have laryngoscopy performed at the earliest possible moment to rule out the possibility of other laryngeal abnorm alities.