Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy associated with silicosis

Eur Respir J. 1999 Sep;14(3):720-2. doi: 10.1034/j.1399-3003.1999.14c37.x.

Abstract

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy usually results from invasion or compression of the nerve caused by diseases localized within the aortopulmonary window. This study reports the case of a 76-yr-old male with vocal cord paralysis due to lymph node involvement by silicosis. This rare entity was identified by video-mediastinoscopy, which revealed a granulomatous and fibrosed recurrent lymph node encasing the nerve. The nerve was dissected and released from scar tissues. Progressive clinical improvement was observed followed by total and durable recovery of the voice after 15 weeks follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphadenitis / complications*
  • Lymphadenitis / diagnosis
  • Lymphadenitis / surgery
  • Male
  • Mediastinoscopy
  • Mediastinum
  • Silicosis / complications*
  • Silicosis / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Video Recording
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / etiology*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / surgery