Idiopathic bilateral abductor cord palsy-can it be the cause of obstructive sleep apnea?

Abstract

We describe a case of 27 year old male who presented with history of breathing difficulty with episodes of apnea for 8 years. He was suspected to have obstructive sleep apnea and a nocturnal polysomnography showed Apnea-Hypopnea index of 34/hour and the lowest oxygen saturation of 78% and severe snoring in the night. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine was advised from local hospital and he used for 2 month. Indirect laryngoscopy done showed bilateral abductor cord palsy. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) of brain and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of chest and neck was normal study. Posterior cordotomy of left cord was done using coblation with resolution of symptoms of OSA.

Repeat nocturnal polysomnography showed apnea/hypopnea index 5 and lowest oxygen saturation of 95%.