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Complete recovery of an isolated left vocal fold palsy associated with a benign mediastinal thymic cyst

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2008

S L Woolley ,
A Espeso  and
D R K Smith
S L Woolley*
Affiliation:
Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Cardiff, Wales, UK
A Espeso
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
D R K Smith
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Sarah L Woolley, Emergency Medicine Consultant, Emergency Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8BJ, UK. Fax: +44 117 928 2713 E-mail: sarah.woolley@ubht.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Objectives:

To present a case of benign mediastinal thymic cyst, and to review the published information on these cysts, including their incidence, presentation, diagnosis and management.

Methods:

We report the case of a 55-year-old man who presented with a unilateral vocal fold palsy subsequently found to be due to the presence of a benign mediastinal thymic cyst. A literature search was undertaken to identify the incidence, key features and management of this rare condition.

Results:

Benign mediastinal thymic cysts are a rare cause of mediastinal masses. Usually diagnosed incidentally, their management is usually surgical. Vocal fold palsy in isolation has not previously been reported in association with mediastinal thymic cysts.

Conclusion:

This report describes what we believe to be the first published case of a completely reversible vocal fold palsy presenting in association with a rare benign mediastinal thymic cyst.

Keywords

ThymusVocal Cord ParalysisMediastinum
Type
Online Only Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 2 , February 2008 , e4
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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