Mitochondrial Myopathy: A Rare Cause of Early-Onset Vocal Fold Atrophy. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Elizabeth A.; Bock, Jonathan M.; Peltier, Amanda C.; Oh, Shin J.; Garrett, C. Gaelyn
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 122:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: atrophy -- dysphonia -- injection laryngoplasty -- mitochondrial myopathy -- speech therapy -- vocal cord -- vocal fold; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/000348941312200306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objectives: We present the second published case of laryngeal involvement in mitochondrial myopathy. Methods: A patient with laryngeal involvement of mitochondrial myopathy is presented, together with a literature review. Results: A 41-year-old man presented with progressive breathy dysphonia. His brother had mitochondrial myopathy. Biopsy of the biceps muscle demonstrated cytochrome C oxidase–negative ragged blue fibers confirming mitochondrial myopathy. Videostroboscopy showed marked vocal fold atrophy, but subsequent injection laryngoplasty did not significantly improve the patient's voice, despite improved postoperative glottic closure. Conclusions: Mitochondrial myopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe early-onset vocal fold atrophy.