Sarcoidosis presenting as bilateral vocal cord paralysis from bilateral compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerves from thoracic adenopathy

Abstract

Bilateral true vocal fold paralysis is rarely attributable to inflammatory diseases. We describe what appears to be the first case in the medical literature of sarcoidosis presenting as isolated, bilateral true vocal cord paralysis resulting from compressive bilateral mediastinal adenopathy. The presenting symptoms, clinical outcome, radiographs and laryngeal findings are discussed in detail. Sarcoidosis should therefore be added to the differential diagnosis of bilateral vocal fold paralysis.