[Laryngeal immobility after intubation]

Abstract

Based on findings in 14 cases of post-intubation laryngeal immobility simulating a paralysis, it is demonstrated that a mechanical cause bringing into play the arytenoids exists in every case. The origin may be from a synechia between the vocal cords, crico-arytenoid ankylosis, inter-arytenoid and plate of the cricoid fibrosis, or a combination of these lesions. Conclusive evidence of the type of lesion involved is rarely apparent from clinical or paraclinical examinations, an exact diagnosis requiring a median thyrotomy. This emphasizes the need for pathologic investigation of the arytenoidectomy surgical specimens. These findings suggest that neurogenic theories concerning the etiopathogenicity of post-intubation laryngeal immobility be revised.