Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Caused by Cervical Esophageal Duplication Cyst Containing a Foreign Body: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Cervical esophageal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly that occasionally causes compressive symptoms. Herein, we present a unique case of unilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by a cervical esophageal duplication cyst with a granuloma containing a foreign body.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 10-year-old boy presented with a 1.5-month history of hoarseness and choking. Laryngoscopy revealed left vocal cord paralysis, and CT revealed a mass near the inferior pole of the left thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed no evidence of malignancy. Ultrasonography and MRI findings suggested an esophageal duplication cyst with an inflammatory granuloma. Antibiotic therapy was ineffective, and a surgical approach was considered. The esophageal duplication cyst was resected through a collar incision, and a film-like foreign body with granulation tissue was extracted from the abscess. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was preserved, and the vocal cord function improved within 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the unusual presentation of an inflamed cervical esophageal duplication cyst with an embedded foreign body, which resulted in recurrent laryngeal nerve impairment and subsequent unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Early surgical intervention with careful nerve preservation can result in a functional recovery.