The most common cause of laryngeal stridor in a 60-year old male is:
## **Core Concept**
Laryngeal stridor is a high-pitched sound that occurs during breathing, indicative of an obstruction in the larynx or trachea. In adults, the causes of stridor can vary widely, including infections, trauma, and neoplasms. The differential diagnosis often depends on the age of the patient and the acuity of presentation.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, , is the most common cause of laryngeal stridor in a 60-year-old male. This is because **bilateral vocal cord paralysis** often presents with stridor due to the inability of the vocal cords to abduct, thereby obstructing the airway. This condition can result from various causes, including thyroid surgery, malignancies (e.g., thyroid cancer), and neurologic disorders. Given the age of the patient, malignancy and iatrogenic causes (like post-thyroid surgery) are high on the differential.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** is incorrect because, while it could potentially cause stridor, it is less common compared to bilateral vocal cord paralysis in a 60-year-old male.
* **Option B:** is incorrect as it might cause symptoms related to the larynx but is not the most common cause of stridor in this demographic.
* **Option C:** is incorrect because, although it could be a cause of stridor, it is not as prevalent as bilateral vocal cord paralysis in this age group.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that in adults, especially those over 60, **bilateral vocal cord paralysis** and **malignant processes** are high on the differential diagnosis for laryngeal stridor. Stridor in adults is often a sign of a serious underlying condition, necessitating prompt evaluation and management.
## **Correct Answer:** . Bilateral vocal cord paralysis