Symmetrical bilateral paralyses of the vocal cords due to thoracic aneurysms are very uncommon. Of the few cases recorded, some were reported as abductor paralyses and others as complete recurrent nerve paralyses. A few also have been reported in which the paralysis was complete on one side and incomplete on the other, producing an asymmetrical bilateral paralysis. As the commonest cause of bilateral abductor paralyses is tabes, Semon,1 in discussing his own case, raised the question whether there might not be neurosyphilis associated with the vascular syphilis to account for the bilateral character of the paralysis. The present case illustrates the great difficulty in the interpretation of vocal cord paralyses, accounting to some extent for the variability of the reports. At the same time it is of especial interest since tabes can be definitely excluded.
REPORT OF CASE
History and Examination.—The patient was a prisoner in a chain