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Neoplastic meningitis presenting with dysphagia and bilateral vocal cord paralysis
Author(s) -
Dixon Peter R.,
Alsaffar Hussain,
Symons Sean P.,
Enepekides Danny,
Higgins Kevin M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.24640
Subject(s) - dysphagia , medicine , paralysis , vocal cord paralysis , meningitis , cord , audiology , surgery
Neoplastic meningitis is the infiltration of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space by tumor cells occurring in 3% to 5% of patients with systemic malignancies. Most cases present with multifocal neurological symptoms that vary according to the central nervous system territory involved. Here, we describe the first reported case to our knowledge of neoplastic meningitis causing bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Early diagnosis of this progressive disease process is essential to achieving a better treatment response and improved survival. This report demonstrates that neoplastic meningitis should be considered in the investigation of bilateral vocal cord paralysis, particularly in patients with a history of metastatic disease. Laryngoscope , 124:1912–1914, 2014