A Very Rare Complication of Vocal Fold Augmentation With Calcium Hydroxylapatite: Neck Abscess

J Voice. 2023 Jan;37(1):142.e1-142.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.10.018. Epub 2020 Nov 3.

Abstract

Introduction: Vocal fold injection augmentation is performed routinely for the treatment of glottic insufficiency especially due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. There are numerous materials that are used for injection laryngoplasty, calcium hydroxylapatite being one of them.

Case report: We present an interesting case of a 64-year-old male patient with metastatic acinic cell carcinoma of the right parotid gland, who underwent right vocal cord injection laryngoplasty with calcium hydroxylapatite for right vocal cord paralysis with glottal insufficiency and developed a neck abscess.

Discussion: This is the first report in the literature of neck abscess following vocal fold injection laryngoplasty using calcium hydroxylapatite. It seems that over injection of the vocal fold gave rise to extravasation of the injected material outside the laryngeal framework which later became a nidus for infection.

Conclusions: We present the first case in the literature of neck abscess following vocal fold injection laryngoplasty using calcium hydroxylapatite. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but dangerous complication.

Keywords: Calcium hydroxylapatite; Injection laryngoplasty; Neck abscess; Vocal fold augmentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / etiology
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Calcium
  • Durapatite / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Laryngoplasty*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis* / diagnosis
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis* / etiology
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis* / therapy
  • Vocal Cords / surgery

Substances

  • Durapatite
  • Calcium