Case Report

The Vocal Cord Nodule: Complication of Severe COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 acts through angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors and involves multiple organ systems. Also associated with many upper airway symptoms, we reported an unnoticed complication of the upper airway, which presented as hoarseness of voice and throat discomfort during ICU stay, the upper airway flexible endoscopy was performed, which showed vocal cord nodule. The patient was managed conservatively, by improving hydration, steam inhalation, voice rest, and speech therapy. Gradually, there was a significant improvement in patient's symptoms and voice quality. An early prediction and risk mitigation can prevent this complication.

[1] Mehta P, McAuley DF, Brown M, Sanchez E, Tattersall RS, Manson JJ, et al. COVID-19: consider cytokine storm syndromes and immunosuppression. Lancet. 2020; 395(10229):1033.
[2] Lovato A, de Filippis C. Clinical Presentation of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Focusing on Upper Airway Symptoms. Ear Nose Throat J. 2020; 145561320920762.
[3] Lechien JR, Chiesa-Estomba CM, De Siati DR, Horoi M, Le Bon SD, Rodriguez A, et al. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions as a clinical presentation of mild-to-moderate forms of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a multicenter European study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2020; 277(8):2251-2261.
[4] Gheblawi M, Wang K, Viveiros A, Nguyen Q, Zhong JC, Turner AJ, et al. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: SARS-CoV-2 receptor and regulator of the renin-angiotensin system: celebrating the 20th anniversary of the discovery of ACE2. Circ Res. 2020; 126(10):1456-1474.
[5] Hegde MC, Kamath MP, Bhojwani K, Peter R, Babu PR. Benign lesions of larynx—A clinical study. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005; 57(1): 35-38.
Files
IssueVol 6 No 4 (2020): Autumn QRcode
SectionCase Report(s)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v6i4.4627
Keywords
Vocal cord nodule COVID-19 Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor

Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
1.
Hashim M, Venkatesan S, Kaushal A, Kausar S. The Vocal Cord Nodule: Complication of Severe COVID-19 Infection. Arch Anesth & Crit Care. 2020;6(4):197-198.