Bamboo nodes as the cause of dysphonias in autoimmune diseases

Background: In rare cases, dysphonia can be caused by vocal fold deposits called "bamboo nodes." They often feature a transverse yellowish appearance of the middle third of the vocal cord, resembling a bamboo node. Typical histologic signs are similar to rheumatoid nodules.

Methods: We report on a 43-year-old woman with known Sharp syndrome and dysphonia. Laryngoscopy showed transverse deposits on both vocal folds. The diagnosis of bamboo nodes was made and treatment initiated.

Conclusions: Laryngeal deposits should be suspected and a thorough laryngostroboscopic examination carried out whenever a patient with an autoimmune disease presents with a rough and unstable voice. Because the patients may have hoarseness as their primary symptom, it is important for otolaryngologists to be familiar with this disorder. Further autoimmune investigation should be established. A combination of local laryngeal therapy with steroids and subsequent surgery seems to be a useful treatment approach for bamboo nodes. To our knowledge this is the first description of a patient with Sharp syndrome and bamboo nodes.