VCP

Q: In vocal cord paralysis (VCP), the wheezing is usually? (select one)

A) expiratory

B) inspiratory

Answer: B

Intubation is one of the most common procedures in the ICU. Vocal cord paralysis is a common side effect of intubation. During intubation, either due to trauma or a bigger size tube, the vocal cords may stay adducted to a median position. This airflow obstruction is pronounced in inspiration. During expiration, the paralyzed cords open due to the force of alveolar air.

Other causes of VCP are neck surgery (mostly anterior approach) and various neurologic disorders.

#pulmonary

#procedures

#ENT

References:

1. Seyed Toutounchi SJ, Eydi M, Golzari SE, Ghaffari MR, Parvizian N. Vocal cord paralysis and its etiologies: a prospective study. J Cardiovasc Thorac Res. 2014;6(1):47-50. doi: 10.5681/jcvtr.2014.009. Epub 2014 Mar 4. PMID: 24753832; PMCID: PMC3992732.

2. Salik I, Winters R. Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis. 2023 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 32809687.