Laryngeal dystonia in xeroderma pigmentosum

We report on three patients with xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA) who showed laryngeal stridor in their 20s. The stridor appeared on feeding and emotional excitation, was exaggerated during respiratory infection and was life-threatening on some occasions. Adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration, observed by laryngoscopy, confirmed laryngeal dystonia in all cases. This type of focal dystonia may be characteristic in XPA and requires special attention during the management of these patients to avoid serious complications.