Safety practices for in-office laryngology procedures during clinical reintroduction amidst COVID-19.

Objective: Describe safety practices for performing in-office laryngology procedures during clinical re-introduction amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: An anonymous survey in Qualtrics was created to evaluate demographics, preprocedure testing, practice settings, anesthesia, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use for five procedure categories (non-mucosal-traversing injections, mucosal-traversing injections, endoscopy without suction, endoscopy with suction/mucosal intervention via working channel, and laser via working channel). The survey was emailed to the Fall Voice Community on Doc Matter and to members of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) from May to June 2020. Results: Eighty-two respondents were analyzed (response rate: 10%). Respondents represented diverse locations, including international. Most reported academic (71%) or private practices (16%), laryngology fellowship training (76%), and a significant practice devotion to laryngology and broncho-esophagology. During the early re-introduction, most continued to perform all procedure categories. The office was preferred to the OR setting for most, though 36% preferred the OR for laser procedures. There was a preference for preprocedural SARS-Cov2 testing for procedures involving a working channel (>67%), and these procedures had the highest proportion of respondents discontinuing the procedure due to COVID-19. Various types of topical anesthesia were reported, including nebulizer treatments. The most common forms of personal protective equipment utilized were gloves (>95%) and N95 masks (>67%). Powered-air purifying respirators and general surgical masks were used infrequently. Conclusions: During the early re-introduction, respondents reported generally continuing to perform office laryngology procedures, while greater mucosal manipulation affected decisions to stop procedures due to COVID-19, perform preprocedural SARS-Cov2 testing, and alter topical anesthesia. Gloves and N95 masks were the predominate PPE. Level of Evidence: N/A.

Current Indications for Transnasal Esophagoscopy: An American Broncho-Esophagological Association Survey.

INTRODUCTION:: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current indications for and clinical factors influencing the use of transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE). METHODS:: An online survey was sent to American Broncho-Esophagological Association members, including questions on demographics, indications, and factors influencing the use of TNE. RESULTS:: Sixty of 251 members (24%) completed the survey. Ninety-three percent of respondents reported academic practices, while 98% practice in medium to large urban settings. Thirty-five (58%) completed laryngology fellowships. Mean monthly TNE procedure count was 7.15 (range, <1-35). The most common indications were dysphagia (82%), biopsy (50%), and laryngopharyngeal reflux (47%). Chronic cough, head and neck cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and tracheoesophageal puncture were also commonly reported indications (44% each). For laryngopharyngeal reflux and GER, most respondents perform TNE for recalcitrant disease following a medical trial of at least 3 months. Long-standing GER symptoms, documentation of GER on pH and impedance testing, and abnormal findings on previous esophagoscopy lead to greater TNE use. Specific dysphagia indications included abnormal esophagographic findings (70%), history or examination localizing to the esophagus (60%), solid dysphagia only (53%), and solid and/or liquid dysphagia (40%). The primary sites most likely to prompt TNE use for head and neck cancer surveillance were the esophagus (92.3%) and hypopharynx (84.6%). Balloon dilation was the most common indication for which respondents do not currently perform TNE but would like to (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS:: TNE indications have not been well established. According to respondents from the American Broncho-Esophagological Association, TNE is most commonly used for dysphagia and laryngopharyngeal reflux and slightly less so for GER and head and neck cancer screening and surveillance. Several clinical indicators were identified that influence the decision to perform TNE.

Sulforaphane suppresses the growth of glioblastoma cells, glioblastoma stem cell-like spheroids, and tumor xenografts through multiple cell signaling pathways.

OBJECTIVE Defects in the apoptotic machinery and augmented survival signals contribute to drug resistance in glioblastoma (GBM). Moreover, another complexity related to GBM treatment is the concept that GBM development and recurrence may arise from the expression of GBM stem cells (GSCs). Therefore, the use of a multifaceted approach or multitargeted agents that affect specific tumor cell characteristics will likely be necessary to successfully eradicate GBM. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of sulforaphane (SFN)-a constituent of cruciferous vegetables with a multitargeted effect-as a therapeutic agent for GBM. METHODS The inhibitory effects of SFN on established cell lines, early primary cultures, CD133-positive GSCs, GSC-derived spheroids, and GBM xenografts were evaluated using various methods, including GSC isolation and the sphere-forming assay, analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, cell growth inhibition assay, comet assays for assessing SFN-triggered DNA damage, confocal microscopy, Western blot analysis, and the determination of in vivo efficacy as assessed in human GBM xenograft models. RESULTS SFN triggered the significant inhibition of cell survival and induced apoptotic cell death, which was associated with caspase 3 and caspase 7 activation. Moreover, SFN triggered the formation of mitochondrial ROS, and SFN-triggered cell death was ROS dependent. Comet assays revealed that SFN increased single- and double-strand DNA breaks in GBM. Compared with the vehicle control cells, a significantly higher amount of γ-H2AX foci correlated with an increase in DNA double-strand breaks in the SFN-treated samples. Furthermore, SFN robustly inhibited the growth of GBM cell-induced cell death in established cell cultures and early-passage primary cultures and, most importantly, was effective in eliminating GSCs, which play a major role in drug resistance and disease recurrence. In vivo studies revealed that SFN administration at 100 mg/kg for 5-day cycles repeated for 3 weeks significantly decreased the growth of ectopic xenografts that were established from the early passage of primary cultures of GBM10. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that SFN is a potent anti-GBM agent that targets several apoptosis and cell survival pathways and further preclinical and clinical studies may prove that SFN alone or in combination with other therapies may be potentially useful for GBM therapy.

Microarray Analysis Gene Expression Profiles in Laryngeal Muscle After Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The pathophysiology of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection injury is rare in that it is characteristically followed by a high degree of spontaneous reinnervation, with reinnervation of the laryngeal adductor complex (AC) preceding that of the abducting posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle. Here, we aim to elucidate the differentially expressed myogenic factors following RLN injury that may be at least partially responsible for the spontaneous reinnervation. METHODS: F344 male rats underwent RLN injury (n = 12) or sham surgery (n = 12). One week after RLN injury, larynges were harvested following euthanasia. The mRNA was extracted from PCA and AC muscles bilaterally, and microarray analysis was performed using a full rat genome array. RESULTS: Microarray analysis of denervated AC and PCA muscles demonstrated dramatic differences in gene expression profiles, with 205 individual probes that were differentially expressed between the denervated AC and PCA muscles and only 14 genes with similar expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The differential expression patterns of the AC and PCA suggest different mechanisms of reinnervation. The PCA showed the gene patterns of Wallerian degeneration, while the AC expressed the gene patterns of reinnervation by adjacent axonal sprouting. This finding may reveal important therapeutic targets applicable to RLN and other peripheral nerve injuries.

Stem cell-derived tissue-engineered constructs for hemilaryngeal reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: As an initial step toward our goal of developing a completely tissue-engineered larynx, the aim of this study was to describe and compare three strategies of creating tissue-engineered muscle-polymer constructs for hemilaryngeal reconstruction. METHODS: Cartilage-mimicking polymer was developed from electrospun poly(D,L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PCL). Primary muscle progenitor cell cultures were derived from syngeneic F344 rat skeletal muscle biopsies. Twenty F344 rats underwent resection of the outer hemilaryngeal cartilage with the underlying laryngeal adductor muscle. The defects were repaired with muscle stem cell-derived muscle-PCL constructs (5 animals), myotube-derived muscle-PCL constructs (5 animals), motor end plate-expressing muscle-PCL constructs (5 animals), or PCL alone (controls; 5 animals). The outcome measures at 1 month included animal survival, muscle thickness, and innervation status as determined by electromyography and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All of the animals survived the 1-month implant period and had appropriate weight gain. The group that received motor end plate-expressing muscle-PCL constructs demonstrated the greatest muscle thickness and the strongest innervation, according to electromyographic activity and the percentage of motor end plates that had nerve contact. CONCLUSIONS: Although all of the tissue-engineered constructs provided effective reconstruction, those that expressed motor end plates before implantation yielded muscle that was more strongly innervated and viable. This finding suggests that this novel approach may be useful in the development of a tissue-engineered laryngeal replacement.

Differences in laryngeal neurotrophic factor gene expression after recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagus nerve injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and vagus nerve (VN) injuries characteristically are followed by differing degrees of spontaneous reinnervation, yet laryngeal muscle neurotrophic factor (NF) expression profiles after RLN and VN injuries have not been well elucidated. This study's objective was to determine the relative changes in gene expression of 5 well-characterized NFs from laryngeal muscle after RLN or VN injuries in a time-dependent fashion, and demonstrate how these changes correspond with electromyography-assessed innervation status. METHODS: Thirty-six male rats underwent left RLN transection (12 rats), left VN transection (12 rats), or a sham procedure (12 rats). The primary outcomes included electromyographic assessment and laryngeal muscle NF expression quantification with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at 3 days and at 1 month. RESULTS: Electromyography at 3 days demonstrated electrical silence in the VN injury group, normal activity in the sham group, and nascent units with decreased recruitment in the RLN injury group. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that changes in NF gene expression from laryngeal muscles varied depending on the type of nerve injury (RLN or VN) and the specific laryngeal muscle (posterior cricoarytenoid or adductor) assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal muscle NF expression profiles after cranial nerve X injury depend both upon the level of nerve injury and upon the muscles involved.

The interarytenoid spatial relationship: accuracy and interrater reliability for determining sidedness in cases of unilateral adductor paresis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: When adductor vocal fold paresis manifests without obvious motion impairment, identifying the paretic side can be challenging. Although increased vocal fold waveform amplitude ("floppiness") on videostroboscopy may be helpful, it has been shown to have low interrater reliability. We have found that the interarytenoid spatial relationship (IASR) can often accurately be used to predict the sidedness of electromyography (EMG)-determined unilateral adductor (thyroarytenoid/lateral cricoarytenoid [TA/LCA]) paresis. The goal of this study was to determine if a series of otolaryngology residents could learn to assess the IASR on videostroboscopy and use the IASR to identify the side of EMG-documented adductor paresis with high accuracy and interrater reliability. STUDY DESIGN: Otolaryngology resident population surveys. METHODS: Ten residents were given videostroboscopy images on abduction/adduction from 10 consecutive patients with EMG-documented unilateral TA/LCA paresis and asked to identify the paretic side in a pretest. The IASR was then conceptually introduced to the otolaryngology residents in a brief presentation. Posttesting was then performed and used to assess EMG-based accuracy and interrater reliability. RESULTS: Before the IASR presentation, otolaryngology residents accurately identified the paretic side in 63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56-70%) of cases. In the posttest session, the residents accurately identified the paretic side in 93% (95% CI: 87-99%) of cases, and interrater reliability was 0.873. CONCLUSIONS: The IASR may be useful in determining sidedness in cases of unilateral TA/LCA paresis. Further studies are needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the IASR for determining sidedness of unilateral TA/LCA paresis with intact mobility.

Rosai-Dorfman disease with isolated laryngeal involvement.

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare histiocyte disorder that is typically characterized by massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Isolated extranodal involvement is uncommon, and isolated laryngeal involvement is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of Rosai-Dorfman disease with isolated laryngeal involvement that led to recurrent dysphonia and airway obstruction. We discuss the challenges we faced in reaching a correct pathologic diagnosis and in deciding on an appropriate treatment regimen. Based on our experience, we believe that Rosai-Dorfman disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients who present with a recurrent inflammatory (histiocytic) mass lesion of the larynx.

Neurotrophic factor-secreting autologous muscle stem cell therapy for the treatment of laryngeal denervation injury.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine if the spontaneous reinnervation that characteristically ensues after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury could be selectively promoted and directed to certain laryngeal muscles with the use of neurotrophic factor (NF)-secreting muscle stem cell (MSC) vectors while antagonistic reinnervation is inhibited with vincristine (VNC). STUDY DESIGN: Basic science investigation involving primary cell cultures, gene cloning/transfer, and animal experiments. METHODS: MSC survival assays were used to test multiple individual NFs in vitro. Motoneuron outgrowth assays assessed the trophic effects of identified NF on cranial nerve X (CNX)-derived motoneurons in vitro. Therapeutic NF was cloned into a lentiviral vector, and MSCs were transduced to secrete NF. Sixty rats underwent left RLN transection injury, and at 3 weeks received injections of either MSCs (n = 24), MSCs secreting NF (n = 24), or saline (n = 12) into the left thyroarytenoid muscle complex; half of the animals in the MSC groups simultaneously received left posterior cricoarytenoid injections of VNC, whereas half of the animals received saline. RESULTS: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) had the greatest survival-promoting effect on MSCs in culture. The addition of CNTF (50 ng/mL) to CNX motoneuron cultures resulted in enhanced neurite outgrowth and branching. In the animal model, the injected MSCs fused with the denervated myofibers, immunohistochemistry demonstrated enhanced reinnervation based on motor endplate to nerve contact, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction confirmed stable CNTF expression at longest follow-up (4 months) in the CNTF-secreting MSC treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: MSC therapy may have a future role in selectively promoting and directing laryngeal reinnervation after RLN injury.

A rapid, novel model of culturing cranial nerve X-derived motoneurons for screening trophic factor outgrowth response.

OBJECTIVES: After cranial nerve X (CN X) injury, vocal fold paralysis treatments currently face a myriad of obstacles in achieving non-synkinetic, functional reinnervation. Of particular therapeutic interest is the targeted administration of locally expressed biological neurotrophic factors (NFs). To date, a method to culture mature CN X motoneurons for NF responsiveness screening has not been described. METHODS: We herein present a novel method for establishing mature murine CN X motoneuron cultures, and use the model to test CN X motoneuron outgrowth response to individual and paired ascending concentrations of selected neurotrophic factors [glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)]. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated low concentration (5 ng/ml) CNTF to have the greatest positive effect on motoneuron outgrowth, beyond that of both indivual NF and paired NF combinations, based on total neurite outgrowth [mean total neurite outgrowth = 445.7±84.45 µm in the (5 ng/ml) CNTF group versus 179.7±13.63 µm in saline controls (P<0.01)]. Paired treatments with CNTF/GDNF, and CNTF/BDNF promoted motoneuron branching at a variety of concentrations beyond saline controls, and paired GDNF/BDNF had inhibitory effects on motoneuron branching. DISCUSSION: Our described in vitro model of establishing mature CN X cultures allowed rapid screening for responsiveness to therapeutic NFs at a variety of concentrations and combinations. While the model ultimately may be used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of CN X motoneuron regeneration, the current study identified CNTF as a promising therapeutic candidate for the promotion of CN X outgrowth.

Managing voice impairment after injection laryngoplasty.

To date, there is a paucity of literature on the management of suboptimal voice outcomes after injection laryngoplasty. We present three cases of worsened voice quality and impaired mucosal waveform propagation on videostroboscopy after calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injection. The first was found to have superficial deposits of CaHA in Reinke's space. The second case appeared to have overaugmentation of the vocal folds. The third case had atrophic vocal folds, and despite having a deep CaHA injection (within the thyroarytenoid muscles), the injected vocal folds had diminished mucosal waveform amplitude, which was likely because of poor pulmonary function. In summary, there can be multiple reasons for suboptimal voice outcomes after CaHA. Clinician awareness and intraoperative recognition of improper CaHA injection/overinjection can help prevent most negative outcomes.

The effect of cartilaginous reinforcing sutures on initial tracheal anastomotic strength: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: During tracheal resection with primary anastomosis, cartilaginous reinforcing sutures may be placed outside of the primary anastomosis with the goal of preventing early dehiscence. The direct effect of such reinforcing sutures on anastomotic strength has not been previously investigated. The goal of this study was to determine if the addition of cartilaginous reinforcing sutures adds to tracheal anastomosis stability. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cadaver study. SETTING: This research was conducted at an anatomy lab at Indiana University School of Medicine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve cadaver tracheas were harvested. Each trachea was bifurcated, with 1 segment of each trachea transected and anastomosed using circumferential sutures and the remaining tracheal segment undergoing the same procedure with the addition of cartilaginous reinforcing sutures. Segments (proximal versus distal) were alternated to control for potential anatomic-based strength differences. The force necessary for anastomotic rupture was measured, and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare means. RESULTS: Analysis demonstrated the mean anastomotic rupture point for tracheas with reinforcing sutures was 297 N (95% confidence interval = 241.1-352.9), while the mean for trials without reinforcing sutures was 173 N (95% confidence interval = 142.63-203.37; P = .0054). The point of rupture occurred at the anastomosis in 1 case with reinforcing sutures and in 8 of 11 cases without reinforcing sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilaginous reinforcing sutures were found to provide a higher force requirement for tracheal anastomotic rupture when compared with anastomoses without these sutures. This improved stability in tracheal anastomosis may result in a decreased risk of early tracheal rupture after anastomosis.

Office-based laser surgery of the larynx: cost-effective treatment at the office's expense.

OBJECTIVE: While office-based laser surgery (OBLS) for benign laryngeal disease is cost-effective for the patient, the financial impact on the office offering the service has not been characterized. We hypothesize that OBLS offers savings to the patient that are not widely realized because of the financial liability the technology poses. STUDY DESIGN: A 2-part financial analysis. SETTING: (1) Hospital operating room and (2) non-facility-based office. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: First, the average cost and reimbursements for 50 patients undergoing OBLS were compared with those of 50 patients undergoing operative direct laryngoscopy with laser (DLL). Second, a detailed financial comparison was performed on a self-paired series of patients who had each undergone both OBLS and DLL for benign laryngeal disease. RESULTS: When compared with DLL, OBLS provides more than a $5000 per-case cost savings for the third-party payer. Average DLL reimbursement was $6453.44 per case, including hospital, anesthesiologist, and surgeon reimbursements of $5150, $745.66, and $357.78, respectively. Based on the calculated hospital cost of $2069.15 per case, the hospital profited more than $3000 per DLL. For OBLS in a non-facility office setting, the average reimbursement was $643.08 per case, with procedure and laser fiber reimbursements of $596.52 and $46.56, respectively. Based on office expenditures of $1388.06 per case, the office lost more than $500 per OBLS case. CONCLUSION: OBLS in a non-facility-based office setting leads to a net financial loss for the office, making OBLS-associated health care cost savings unlikely to be widely realized unless reimbursement patterns are changed.

A multi-institutional analysis of tracheotomy complications.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To define the prevalence of tracheotomy tube complications and evaluate risk factors (RFs) associated with their occurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institution historical cohort. METHODS: Data regarding tracheotomy tube complications from consecutive surgeries performed across eight participating institutions between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 were retrospectively collected. Patient demographics, comorbidities, physician specialty, and surgical technique were recorded and statistically analyzed to identify the incidence of surgical complications following tracheotomy and associated RFs. RESULTS: The charts of 1,175 tracheotomy procedures were reviewed from eight academic institutions. Otolaryngologists performed 66.2% of the tracheotomies. Intraoperative, early (<1 week), and late complication rates were 1.4%, 5.6%, and 7.1%, respectively. Postoperative bleeding was identified as the most common early complication (2.6%), whereas airway stenosis was the most common late complication (1.7%). The use of outer flange security sutures to anchor the tracheostomy tube was negatively associated with the incidence of early complication (P<.0001). The use of large endotracheal tubes (size>7.5) and obesity were associated with the development of airway stenosis (P<.05).Twenty-two percent of patients undergoing tracheotomy died during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative tracheotomy complications are rare; however, the rate of death for all causes is high (22%) in this population. Obesity and the use of endotracheal tubes over 7.5 in size are major risk factors for the development of airway stenosis. Although percutaneous tracheotomy resulted in a significantly higher rate of postoperative bleeding (6.6%) than the open method (1.9%) (P<.05), the use of outer flange tracheostomy tube sutures may reduce this complication.

An experimental model to investigate initial tracheal anastomosis strength.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Early anastomotic dehiscence is a devastating complication of segmental tracheal resection. Although wound healing, patient comorbidities, and anastomotic tension are all influential factors, there is a paucity of information available on initial tracheal stability after various tracheal anastomosis techniques in human tissue. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cadaver study. METHODS: We present a novel, inexpensive pulley-based system to apply symmetric tension on the trachea in a longitudinal direction to the point of anastomotic dehiscence. The validity of this mechanism was confirmed with trials using incrementally increasing quantities of the same suture type. Twenty-four trials were then performed on 12 cadaver tracheas (six fresh and six preserved) to compare anastomotic strength with two commonly used suture materials (3-0 polyglactin [Vicryl] vs. 3-0 polydioxanone [PDS]). RESULTS: Validation studies demonstrated that the force increased appropriately with an increasing number of sutures tested. In the tracheal anastomoses, tracheal suture pull-through was the most common mechanism of dehiscence, regardless of suture type. No significant difference in anastomotic stability was detected between the fresh versus preserved cadaver tracheas. The mean anastomotic strength was slightly greater for Vicryl (179.9 N) when compared to PDS (161.5 N), but the difference did not reach significance (P = .207). CONCLUSIONS: We introduce an inexpensive tool for measuring initial tracheal anastomosis stability with human cadavers, which demonstrated no difference in the tracheal pull-through strength of Vicryl and PDS.

Patient tolerance of the flexible CO2 laser for office-based laryngeal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The OmniGuide flexible carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laser can be readily used in the office but patient tolerance has not been established. The aim of this pilot study was to determine patient tolerance of the flexible CO(2) laser. As a reference point, the 585-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) was selected for comparison because it is the only office-based laser in which patient tolerance has specifically been studied. METHODS: Prospective pilot study involving office-based surgery candidates with benign laryngeal pathology. Via flexible laryngoscopy, half of each lesion was treated with the CO(2) laser and the remaining half with the PDL, alternating the order of the lasers (to account for potential thermal injury from the first laser) and blinding the patient to treatment. Patients rated their discomfort immediately after each laser treatment and then completed postoperative questionnaires for discomfort and voice quality. RESULTS: Ten patients with benign laryngeal disease were included. All patients tolerated the office-based laser surgeries without difficulty. The CO(2) laser was extremely well tolerated, with mean pain and burning scores of 2.0 and 2.3, respectively, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being intolerable pain). Postoperative pain questionnaires demonstrated minimal discomfort after the laser treatment. Those with resolution of laryngeal disease had significant voice improvement. CONCLUSION: Flexible CO(2) laser laryngeal surgery is well tolerated in an office-based setting.

Laryngeal granulomas associated with superior laryngeal nerve paresis.

The association between superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) paresis and laryngeal granuloma formation has not been described earlier. The aim of this study was to present a series of patients with isolated unilateral SLN paresis who developed contralateral vocal process granulomas. The study design was a retrospective chart review including all patients presenting to Indiana University from February 2006 to August 2007 with laryngeal electromyography (LEMG)-documented unilateral SLN paresis and evidence of laryngeal granuloma on videostroboscopy. Patient history, examination, LEMG findings, and response to treatment were recorded. Three cases of unilateral SLN paresis associated with contralateral vocal process granulomas were identified. In all patients, videostroboscopy examination demonstrated shortening of the ipsilateral vocal fold on adduction and asymmetric contact of the vocal processes at the site of granuloma formation. All patients failed to respond to aggressive antireflux therapy. One patient had spontaneous recovery of the SLN paresis, with subsequent resolution of the granuloma. Two patients were successfully treated with surgical laser excision of the granulomas and injection of botulinum toxin into the normal cricothyroid muscle to alter the vocal process contact points. Vocal process granulomas can be associated with unilateral SLN paresis, potentially related to altered contact points between the vocal processes of the arytenoids.

Influence of anxiety and depression on the predictive value of the Reflux Symptom Index.

OBJECTIVES: Although the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a validated laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) outcomes tool, its predictive value for LPR is controversial. Because psychiatric problems may lead to exaggerated patient-perceived symptoms and RSI values,the aim of this study was to determine whether the positive predictive value of the RSI for pH probe-documented LPR is influenced by anxiety and depression. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent pH probe testing for LPR between January 2006 and July 2008 at our institution. The RSI, Reflux Finding Score (RFS), medical history, and pH probe findings were recorded. Patients with anxiety or depression were included in the psychiatric disorder (+PSY) group, and those without anxiety or depression comprised the non-psychiatric disorder (-PSY) group. Predictive values of the RSI for pH probe-documented LPR were determined for each group. RESULTS: We included 51 patients: 30 patients (59%) in the -PSY group and 21 patients (41%) in the +PSY group. The mean RSI of the +PSY group was higher than that of the -PSY group (p < 0.05), but the +PSY patients actually had a lower incidence of abnormal probe studies (p < 0.02). The positive predictive value of an elevated RSI for an abnormal pH probe study was poor in the +PSY patients (p = 0.495), but strong in the -PSY group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of anxiety and depression impairs the predictive value of the RSI for LPR. This finding potentially explains some of the controversy over the diagnostic utility of the RSI.

A new treatment option for laryngeal sensory neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Laryngeal sensory neuropathy (LSN) may produce a variety of symptoms, including chronic cough, globus sensation, odynophonia, and/or odynophagia. Etiologies are often iatrogenic, viral, or idiopathic, although the diagnosis is generally one of exclusion. The aim of this study is to introduce pregabalin (Lyrica, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY) as a potential new therapy for LSN. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical investigation. METHODS: : Charts were reviewed from 12 consecutive patients who were prescribed pregabalin for symptoms of LSN. Outcomes were reviewed by analyzing pre and post-treatment questionnaires asking patients to rate symptoms on a scale from 0 to 5. Adverse effects and evidence of drug tolerance were also recorded. RESULTS: Two patients did not tolerate pregabalin due to somnolence. Of those that tolerated the medication, mean pretreatment chief complaint symptom severity rating was 3.9, whereas mean post-treatment symptom rating was 1.2 after 1 month of pregabalin therapy. None of the patients developed drug tolerance effects over time. CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin therapy appears to be an effective treatment option for laryngeal sensory neuropathy. Future prospective studies are needed to compare outcomes between pregabalin and other medications as treatments for LSN.