Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Adults: Etiological Factors in Yemen

Abstract

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis is common finding in otolaryngology practice.Various etiologies known to cause this
condition are neck surgery, cancer, neck trauma, neurological disorders and idiopathic The aim of this study was to
determine the possible etiologies of unilateral vocal fold paralysis among adult patients. A prospective hospital based
study was conducted at OtoLaryngology Department, at Al-Thawra Teaching Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen, during the
period January 2015-June 2018.Patients have unilateral vocal fold paralysis were enrolling in this study. All patients
underwent to history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and radiological studies. A total of 80 patients
with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, males (73.6%), females (26.4%). The age ranged from18 to-8o years. Peripheral
causes in (93.7%).and central causes only in (6%) patients. Idiopathic (32.5%,malignancy (31.2%)trauma ( 21.2%)
,TB (7.5%).Left vocal fold paralysis was the most findings. Idiopathic was the most common cause flowed by
malignancies and trauma. Regarding position of the vocal fold paramedian position was found in ( 87.5%) patients
while lateral position was in (12.5%).Thyroidectomy continues to be the single most surgical procedures responsible
for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.