Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Paradoxical Vocal Cord Movement In Children: A Case Report

Paradoxical vocal cord movement (PVCM) refers to the unusual inward movement of the true vocal cords during inhalation, causing variable upper airway obstruction. The main features of PVCM include stridor, shortness of breath, and hoarseness, which often lead to misdiagnosis as refractory asthma. The primary cause of PVCM remains unclear, although it has long been hypothesized to be linked to psychological factors or central nervous system disorders. We present a case of PVCM occurring in a 7-year-old child with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This child was hospitalized due to inspiratory stridor and noisy breathing during sleep. His OSA was diagnosed through drug-induced sleep endoscopy and respiratory polygraphy at night with an apnea–hypopnea index of 7 events/hour and nadir oxygen saturation of 90%. The patient has been treated successfully by continuous positive airway pressure at night.