Bilateral vocal fold paresis and glottal bridge synechia in COVID‐19

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Bilateral vocal fold paresis (BVFP) is a rare complication in COVID‐19 and should be considered as differential diagnosis in COVID‐19‐patients presenting with dyspnea and stridor. High‐dose intravenous corticosteroids can be useful treating COVID‐19‐related laryngeal edema and vocal fold paresis. This case shows the complexity of laryngeal complications in COVID‐19 requiring surgeries and functional therapies. Abstract Although COVID‐19 is known to affect peripheral as well as cranial nerves, there is a paucity of reports on vocal fold paresis in COVID‐19, bilateral vocal fold paresis (BVFP) in particular. We describe a case of BVFP and glottal bridge synechia following COVID‐19‐pneumonia discussing pathomechanisms and treatment options.

Keywords

• bilateral vocal fold paresis
• bridge synechia
• COVID‐19
• laryngeal edema