Usefulness of Ultrasonography in the Differential Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Disorders Including Infantile Paresis of the Vocal Cords

Abstract

Some infants suffering from vocal cord paresis caused by the compression of cervical tumors such as cystic lymphangioma and congenital anomalies may manifest respiratory distress. Less-invasive examinations should be selected for the diagnosis of young patients in a poor general condition. Vocal cord paresis is generally diagnosed by laryngo-fiberscopy. Ultrasonography, which is another useful tool for the diagnosis of vocal cord paresis, can demonstrate the mobility of the vocal cord noninvasively. Observation of the vocal cords by ultrasonographic examination requires a certain level of technical skill. Despite this disadvantage, ultrasonography appears to be useful for the diagnosis of vocal cord paresis in infants in a poor general condition.