Renal clear cell metastatic carcinoma of the larynx is an extremely rare diagnosis with poor survival. The objective of this short review is to provide insight into current state of literature on this rare neoplasm. Additionally we include the case of a patient with metastatic process of the thyroid cartilage that was treated with novel targeted therapies which enabled prolonged survival and good quality of life. These findings support their inclusion in treatment protocols of patients with metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma of the larynx, especially in those refusing surgery which is the main treatment option in literature so far.
Rationale:The aim of this case is to emphasize the need to include nerve traction in the differential diagnosis of nerve deficits associated with Vernet syndrome. This mechanism of injury has been described only once, but must not be overlooked and should be considered and included as a possible cause in diagnostic algorithms.Patient concerns:A patient presenting with dysphagia, extreme hoarseness, and limited shoulder movement after head injury was admitted to the emergency department.Diagnoses:Multidisciplinary evaluation was performed, and nerve traction-induced Vernet syndrome was established as a running diagnosis.Interventions:Intensive swallowing and speech exercises, assisted by a specialist, were performed.Outcomes:Swallowing and speech exercises significantly and objectively improved the patient's swallowing and voice, with mild hoarseness of voice remaining as the main symptom. Spectral acoustic analysis went from a voice pitch of 163.77 Hz to normal (187.77 Hz), jitter improved from 17.87% to 0.86% and shimmer values decreased from 39.86% to 19.60%. Breathiness during phonation measuring 2.91% was reduced to 1.08% and appropriate average intensity of voice (63.95 dB) was achieved. Initial dysphagia and fluid retention in the right piriform sinus, along with tracheal aspiration, were not observed in control fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.Lessons:According to our knowledge and literature data, this is the second reported case of posttraumatic Vernet syndrome without radiologically confirmed jugular foramen fracture, induced by nerve traction. Such patients need a prompt multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and timely posttraumatic rehabilitation therapy for favorable clinical evolution and retrieval of nerve function.
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