Bamboo nodes of vocal cord: A description of 2 cases

Abstract

Bamboo nodes (BNs) is a rare disease detected in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Here, we reported two cases of BNs, highlighting a potential association of BNs with autoimmune diseases. Upon presentation, the primary concerns of both patients were hoarseness and foreign body sensation. In both cases a co-existence between BNs and an autoimmune disease was identified. In one case, BNs were initially diagnosed while undifferentiated connective tissue disease was later identified by serological testing. In contrast, the other patient did not show any BN-related symptom until two months of therapy for undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Both cases received oral administration of medicines for immunotherapy, with one taking voice training. Both recovered from the larynx symptoms after 10 to 12 months of therapy. This report reminded us of the potential association of BNs with autoimmune diseases. Voice training may be an effective adjuvant intervention for the treatment of BNs.

Keywords

• Bamboo nodes
• hoarseness
• foreign body sensation
• autoimmune diseases
• voice training