Purpose or Case Report: Vocal cord paralysis (VCP) is a common cause of respiratory and feeding problems in the pediatric population.

The goals of this exhibit are:
1. Review the anatomy of the larynx and recurrent laryngeal nerve
2. Discuss the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of pediatric vocal cord paralysis
3. Describe the technical approach of performing laryngeal ultrasound
4. Illustrate the sonographic appearance of vocal cord paralysis
5. Discuss diagnostic criteria of pediatric vocal cord paralysis
Methods & Materials: Ultrasound exams at our institute were reviewed retrospectively with selected representative cases chosen to illustrate technical aspects and to demonstrate imaging features of vocal cord paralysis. Correlation was made with flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy in conjunction with follow up imaging studies and clinical or surgical outcomes.
Results:
Findings of unilateral and bilateral vocal cord paralysis will be illustrated with endoscopic correlation.
Conclusions: Vocal cord paralysis is a serious laryngeal problem affecting children, mainly neonates and infants, and the most frequent cause is iatrogenic injury after cardiovascular surgery. Delayed vocal cord paralysis diagnosis is not infrequent; prompt diagnosis and treatment are associated with better outcomes and prognosis. Laryngeal US is an accurate, minimally invasive, simple, safe, and well tolerated exam that allows early vocal cord paralysis diagnosis and can be performed to supplement more traumatic and less well tolerated flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and to monitor recovery.