ACUTE UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction. Cricoarytenoid arthritis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not infrequent and symptoms can range from mild, nonspecific laryngeal complains to acute upper airway obstruction. Case report. We report a case of bilateral vocal cord palsy due to cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) involvement in a...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Amaltea Medical Publishing House
2018-03-01
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| Series: | Romanian Journal of Rheumatology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://revistemedicale.amaltea.ro/Romanian_Journal_of_RHEUMATOLOGY/Revista_Romana_de_REUMATOLOGIE-2018-Nr.1/RJR_2018_1_Art-06.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction. Cricoarytenoid arthritis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not infrequent and symptoms can range from
mild, nonspecific laryngeal complains to acute upper airway obstruction.
Case report. We report a case of bilateral vocal cord palsy due to cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) involvement in a RA
patient presenting with respiratory distress and stridor. The diagnosis was confirmed by flexible laryngoscopy. The patient responded well to systemic corticosteroids and did not require tracheostomy. There was no recurrence of the symptoms after corticosteroid dose tapering and the patient was discharged after 2 weeks.
Conclusion. Cricoarytenoid arthritis should be suspected in RA patients presenting with acute airway compromise. Prompt recognition of this condition and appropriate management can be life-saving.
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| ISSN: | 1843-0791 2069-6086 |