Use of POCUS in the Diagnosis of Paradoxical Vocal Cord Movement

Point-of-care ultrasound has been instrumental in allowing providers to make prompt diagnoses at the bedside but has been historically underutilized for the diagnosis of upper airway processes, including paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), also known as vocal cord dysfunction. PVFM is characterized by adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration, resulting in stridor and shortness of breath. This case report describes a teenage girl who presented to the pediatric emergency department (ED) with difficulty breathing. Point-of-care ultrasound diagnosed PVFM, which was confirmed with bedside flexible laryngoscopy by otorhinolaryngology (ENT) in the ED.