Cricoarytenoid Arthritis in a Patient with Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Abstract

In this report, we describe laryngeal findings in a woman with aphonia due to diminished adduction of the vocal cord caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with bilateral cricoarytenoid joint involvements. One month after treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy, bilateral cricoarytenoid joint involvements improved and she was able to speak normally. Although laryngeal involvement has been reported to occur frequently in severe RA cases, complaints due to cricoarytenoid arthritis as initial symptoms are comparatively unusual. There are few patients followed by otolaryngologist. However, some patients with cricoarytenoid arthritis demonstrate abduction or adduction disorder that affects the quality of life. In RA patients, careful observations of laryngeal lesions by a laryngoscope and CT scans are important, and serious laryngeal lesions must not be overlooked.