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.