"Lombard Effect" and Voice Changes in Adductor Laryngeal Dystonia: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe the acoustic, auditory-perceptive, and subjective voice changes under the Lombard effect (LE) in adductor laryngeal dystonia (AdLD) patients. METHODS: Subjective perception of vocal effort (OMNI Vocal Effort Scale OMNI-VES), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), and the perceptual severity of dysphonia (GRBAS scale) were assessed in condition of stillness and under LE in 10 AdLD patients and in 10 patients with typical voice. Speakers were asked to produce the sustained vowel /a/ and to read a phonetically balanced text aloud. Using the PRAAT software, the following acoustic parameters were analyzed: Mean Pitch (Hz), Minimum and Maximum Intensity (dB), the Fraction of Locally Unvoiced Frames, the Number of Voice Breaks, the Degree of Voice Breaks (%), the Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed (CPPS) (dB). RESULTS: Under LE, the AdLD group showed a decrease of both G and S parameters of GRBAS and subjective effort, mean MPT increased significantly; in the controls there were no significant changes. In both groups under LE, pitch and intensity of the sustained vowel /a/ significantly increased consistently with LE. In the AdLD group the mean gain of OMNI-VES score and the mean gain of each parameter of the speech analysis were significantly greater than the controls' ones. CONCLUSION: Auditory feedback deprivation obtained under LE improves subjective, perceptual-auditory, and acoustics parameters of AdLD patients. These findings encourage further research to provide new knowledge into the role of the auditory system in the pathogenesis of AdLD and to develop new therapeutic strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:3754-3760, 2024.

[A clinical case of successful treatment of an air cyst of the larynx]. / Klinicheskii sluchai uspeshnogo lecheniya vozdushnoi kisty gortani.

Laryngeal air cyst (laryngocele) is a rare disease that is an abnormal cystic expansion of the deep structures of the laryngeal ventricle. They can be accompanied by serious complaints, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing during exercise, as well as at rest with large cysts. Computed tomography is the most effective method for determining the type, localization and degree of laryngocele. Although surgical treatment is considered the method of choice in cases of laryngeal air cyst, the approach significantly depends on the size of the lesion.

Prediction of a Difficult Airway Using the ARNE Score and Flexible Laryngoscopy in Patients with Laryngeal Pathology.

Background and Objectives: The ARNE score was developed for the prediction of a difficult airway for both general and ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery with a universal cut-off value. We tested the accuracy of this score in the case of laryngeal surgery and provided an insight into its effects in combination with flexible laryngoscopy. Materials and Methods: This prospective pilot clinical study included 100 patients who were being scheduled for microscopic laryngeal surgery. We calculated the ARNE score for every patient, and flexible laryngoscopy was provided preoperative. Difficult intubation was assessed according to the intubation difficulty score (IDS). Results: A total of 33% patients had difficult intubation according to the IDS. The ARNE score showed limited accuracy for the prediction of difficult intubation in laryngology with p < 0.0001 and an AUC of 0.784. Flexible laryngoscopy also showed limitations when used as an independent parameter with p < 0.0001 and an AUC of 0.766. We defined a new cut-off value of 15.50 for laryngology, according to the AUC. After the patients were divided into two groups, according to the new cut-off value and provided cut-off value, the AUC improved to 0.707 from 0.619, respectively. Flexible laryngoscopy improved the prediction model of the ARNE score to an AUC of 0.882 and of the new cut-off value to an AUC of 0.833. Conclusions: It is recommended to use flexible laryngoscopy together with the ARNE score in difficult airway prediction in patients with laryngeal pathology. Also, the universally recommended cut-off value of 11 cannot be effectively used in laryngology, and a new cut-off value of 15.50 is recommended.

Classification of laryngeal diseases including laryngeal cancer, benign mucosal disease, and vocal cord paralysis by artificial intelligence using voice analysis.

Voice change is often the first sign of laryngeal cancer, leading to diagnosis through hospital laryngoscopy. Screening for laryngeal cancer solely based on voice could enhance early detection. However, identifying voice indicators specific to laryngeal cancer is challenging, especially when differentiating it from other laryngeal ailments. This study presents an artificial intelligence model designed to distinguish between healthy voices, laryngeal cancer voices, and those of the other laryngeal conditions. We gathered voice samples of individuals with laryngeal cancer, vocal cord paralysis, benign mucosal diseases, and healthy participants. Comprehensive testing was conducted to determine the best mel-frequency cepstral coefficient conversion and machine learning techniques, with results analyzed in-depth. In our tests, laryngeal diseases distinguishing from healthy voices achieved an accuracy of 0.85-0.97. However, when multiclass classification, accuracy ranged from 0.75 to 0.83. These findings highlight the challenges of artificial intelligence-driven voice-based diagnosis due to overlaps with benign conditions but also underscore its potential.

Laryngeal Dysfunction Manifesting as Chronic Refractory Cough and Dyspnea: Laryngeal Physiology in Respiratory Health and Disease.

TOPIC IMPORTANCE: Laryngeal dysfunction as a cause of chronic refractory cough and episodic dyspnea is often missed, which results in unnecessary testing and delays in diagnosis. Understanding laryngeal roles in breathing and airway protection can help to appreciate the propensity to laryngeal dysfunction with aging, chronic lung disease, and sleep apnea. REVIEW FINDINGS: The human larynx is a complex muscular structure that is responsible for multiple roles of breathing, vocalization, coughing, and swallowing. To undertake these activities, the larynx has a high density of sensory and motor innervation. In addition to common embryological origins with the pharynx and esophagus, with which many laryngeal activities are shared, somatomotor and autonomic pathways regulate emotional, cognitive, and complex motor sequence-planning activities within the larynx. Due to its unique location, the larynx is susceptible to infectious and gastroesophageal reflux-related insults. Couple this with key roles in regulation of airflow and mediation of airway protective reflexes, it is not surprising that neuropathic abnormalities and muscle dysfunction frequently develop. The expression of laryngeal dysfunction as hypersensitivity to mechanical, thermal, chemical, and other stimuli leads to exaggerated airway protective reflexes (laryngeal adductor reflex and cough reflex) manifesting as dyspnea and cough. SUMMARY: Pulmonologists should incorporate assessment of laryngeal dysfunction during evaluation of chronic refractory cough and dyspnea. Recognition of laryngeal hypersensitivity in the patient with chronic refractory cough can identify patients who may benefit from cough suppression therapies. Similarly, timely identification of inducible laryngeal obstruction may not only resolve episodic dyspnea but lessen the need for unnecessary testing and treatments.

Protocol for a scoping review to map health outcomes in individuals with inducible laryngeal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Inducible laryngeal obstruction causes narrowing of the laryngeal aperture in response to external triggers. Outcomes are measured in inducible laryngeal obstruction to monitor changes in health status over time. METHODS: This study is a scoping review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The review will be guided by the following research question: 'What health outcomes are measured in studies including people with inducible laryngeal obstruction?' The research question was validated using the Population-Concept-Context framework according to the methodology for Joanna Briggs Institution Scoping Reviews. Relevant peer-reviewed studies and grey literature conducted over the last 40 years will be identified from electronic databases including AMED, CINAHL, Embase, EMCARE, MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed and PsycINFO. The search strings 'inducible laryngeal obstruction', 'ILO', 'vocal cord dysfunction', 'VCD', 'paradoxical vocal fold motion', 'PVFM', 'outcome', 'measure', 'measurement instrument', 'assessment', 'scale', 'questionnaire' will be combined using Boolean logic. An independent reviewer will conduct title screening; two independent reviewers will conduct abstract and full article screening, followed by data extraction by two reviewers. Analyses will be conducted appropriate to the findings. DISCUSSION: The review will document evidence of health outcomes measured in inducible laryngeal obstruction, identifying measurement characteristics and potential utility. Collating studies may identify gaps in coverage, the need for novel tools, and for standardisation for clinical and research purposes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Inducible laryngeal obstruction causes narrowing of the laryngeal aperture in response to external triggers. Outcomes are measured in inducible laryngeal obstruction to monitor changes in health status over time. Currently, there are no standardised outcome measures for measuring the effects of interventions in inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). What this paper adds to existing knowledge Assessment of health can be measured in a variety of ways. Physiological, radiological and biochemical measurements of impairment are more common historically but there are a lot of outcomes of other factors now including subjective measures of functional status and health-related quality of life, with data collected directly from patients. This study will allow us to scope the literature to see the health outcomes being measured in ILO to attempt to standardise and develop future health outcomes. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The review will document evidence of health outcomes measured in inducible laryngeal obstruction, identifying measurement characteristics and potential utility. Collating studies may identify gaps in coverage, the need for novel tools and for standardisation for clinical and research purposes.

Clinical Voice Outcomes for Two Voice Rest Protocols after Phonomicrosurgery.

OBJECTIVES: Voice rest is commonly recommended for patients with benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) after phonomicrosurgery. The study compares the clinical voice outcomes of two protocols, 7-day complete voice rest (CVR) and 3-day CVR followed by 4-day relative voice rest (CVR + RVR), for patients with BVFLs after phonomicrosurgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Patients with BVFLs undergoing phonomicrosurgery were recruited prospectively and randomly assigned to either protocol. Outcomes were assessed on objective measures of acoustics (fundamental frequency, frequency range, mean intensity, cepstral peak analysis) and aerodynamics (vital capacity, airflow rate, subglottal pressure, phonation threshold pressure), as well as subjective measures, both provider-reported through the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V), and patient-reported through the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Clinical measures were collected at three-time points: preoperatively, 1-week postoperatively (on voice rest), and 1-month postoperatively. In addition, adherence was estimated using a vocal dosimeter. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were recruited and randomized to 7-day CVR (n = 13) and CVR + RVR regimen (n = 12). Statistically significant changes were found within both groups for subglottal pressure (p = 0.03) and VHI score (p < 0.001) comparing pre-operative baseline to 1-month postoperative follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Regardless of group assignment, a significant decrease in overall severity ratings for the CAPE-V was found by comparing the preoperative scores to postoperative scores at 1-week (p < 0.001) and 1-month (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both groups improved their overall voice quality comparably 1 month after undergoing phonomicrosurgery as measured by objective and subjective parameters. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 2. Laryngoscope, 134:2812-2818, 2024.

Laryngeal and Vocal Characterization of Asymptomatic Adults With Sulcus Vocalis

Abstract Introduction Sulcus vocalis is defined as a longitudinal depression on the vocal cord, parallel to its free border. Its most marked characteristic is breathlessness, caused by incomplete glottal closure, in addition to roughness, due to the decrease in mucosal wave amplitude of the vocal cords. Vocal acoustic aspects, such as fundamental voice frequency, jitter, and shimmer, may also be altered in individuals with this type of laryngeal disorder. To assess the voice of individuals with sulcus vocalis, studies generally include a sample of subjects with vocal symptoms, excluding asymptomatic persons. To better characterize the vocal characteristics of individuals with sulcus vocalis, their asymptomatic counterparts must also be included. Objective Characterize the larynx and voice of asymptomatic adults with sulcus vocalis. Method A total of 26 adults, 13 with sulcus vocalis (experimental group) and 13 without (control group) were assessed. All the participants were submitted to suspension microlaryngoscopy, voice self-assessment, auditory perception and acoustic evaluation of the voice. Results Among the individuals with sulcus vocalis, 78% of the sulci were type I and 22% type II. Auditory perception assessment obtained statistically significant lower scores in individuals with sulcus vocalis compared with the control group, and a slight difference in the overall degree of hoarseness and roughness. No statistically significant intergroup diferences were found in self-reported voice or acoustic assessment. Conclusion Type I was the predominant sulcus vocalis observed in individuals without voice complaints, who may also exhibit slight changes in vocal quality and roughness.

Laryngeal and vocal alterations after thyroidectomy / Alterações laríngeas e vocais após tireoidectomia

Abstract Introduction: Dysphonia is a common symptom after thyroidectomy. Objective: To analyze the vocal symptoms, auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal, videolaryngoscopy, the surgical procedures and histopathological findings in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods: Prospective study. Patients submitted to thyroidectomy were evaluated as follows: anamnesis, laryngoscopy, and acoustic vocal assessments. Moments: pre-operative, 1st post (15 days), 2nd post (1 month), 3rd post (3 months), and 4th post (6 months). Results: Among the 151 patients (130 women; 21 men). Type of surgery: lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 40, total thyroidectomy n = 88, thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 23. Vocal symptoms were reported by 42 patients in the 1st post (27.8%) decreasing to 7.2% after 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased in women. Videolaryngoscopies showed that 144 patients (95.3%) had normal exams in the preoperative moment. Vocal fold palsies were diagnosed in 34 paralyzes at the 1st post, 32 recurrent laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 6; total thyroidectomy n = 17; thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 9) and 2 superior laryngeal nerve (lobectomy + isthmectomy n = 1; Total thyroidectomy + lymph node dissection n = 1). After 6 months, 10 patients persisted with paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (6.6%). Histopathology and correlation with vocal fold palsy: colloid nodular goiter (n = 76; palsy n = 13), thyroiditis (n = 8; palsy n = 0), and carcinoma (n = 67; palsy n = 21). Conclusion: Vocal symptoms, reported by 27.8% of the patients on the 1st post decreased to 7% in 6 months. In the acoustic analysis, f0 and APQ were decreased. Transient paralysis of the vocal folds secondary to recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in, respectively, 21% and 1.3% of the patients, decreasing to 6.6% and 0% after 6 months.

Resumo Introdução: A disfonia é um sintoma comum após a tireoidectomia. Objetivo: Analisar os sintomas vocais, auditivo-perceptivos e acústica vocal, videolaringoscopia, procedimento cirúrgico e achados histopatológicos em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia. Método: Estudo prospectivo. Pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia foram avaliados da seguinte forma: anamnese, laringoscopia e avaliações vocais acústicas. Momentos: pré-operatório, 1ª avaliação pós (15 dias), 2ª avaliação pós (1 mês), 3ª avaliação pós (3 meses) e 4ª avaliação pós-operatória (6 meses). Resultados: Dos 151 pacientes, 130 eram mulheres e 21, homens. Tipos de cirurgia: lobectomia + istmectomia n = 40, tireoidectomia total n = 88, tireoidectomia + dissecção de linfonodo n = 23. Sintomas vocais foram relatados por 42 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória (27,8%), reduzidos para 7,2% após 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ estavam diminuídos nas mulheres. As videolaringoscopias mostraram que 144 pacientes (95,3%) tiveram exames normais no momento pré-operatório. Paralisia das cordas vocais foi diagnosticada em 34 pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, 32 do nervo laríngeo recorrente (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 6; tireoidectomia total - n = 17; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 9) e 2 do nervo laríngeo superior (lobectomia + istmectomia - n = 1; tireoidectomia total + dissecção de linfonodos - n = 1). Após 6 meses, 10 pacientes persistiram com paralisia do nervo laríngeo recorrente (6,6%). Histopatologia e correlação com paralisia das cordas vocais: bócio coloide nodular (n = 76; paralisia n = 13), tireoidite (n = 8; paralisia n = 0) e carcinoma (n = 67; paralisia n = 21). Conclusão: Os sintomas vocais, relatados por 27,8% dos pacientes na 1ª avaliação pós-operatória, diminuíram para 7% em 6 meses. Na análise acústica, f0 e APQ diminuíram. A paralisia transitória de cordas vocais secundária à lesão do nervo laríngeo recorrente e nervo laríngeo superior ocorreu, respectivamente, em 21% e 1,3% dos pacientes, reduziu-se para 6,6% e 0% após 6 meses.

Voice deviation, dysphonia risk screening and quality of life in individuals with various laryngeal diagnoses

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the voice quality of individuals with dysphonia and to investigate possible correlations between the degree of voice deviation (D) and scores on the Dysphonia Risk Screening Protocol-General (DRSP), the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) measure and the Voice Handicap Index, short version (VHI-10). METHODS: The sample included 200 individuals with dysphonia. Following laryngoscopy, the participants completed the DRSP, the V-RQOL measure, and the VHI-10; subsequently, voice samples were recorded for auditory-perceptual and acoustic analyses. The correlation between the score for each questionnaire and the overall degree of vocal deviation was analyzed, as was the correlation among the scores for the three questionnaires. RESULTS: Most of the participants (62%) were female, and the mean age of the sample was 49 years. The most common laryngeal diagnosis was organic dysphonia (79.5%). The mean D was 59.54, and the predominance of roughness had a mean of 54.74. All the participants exhibited at least one abnormal acoustic aspect. The mean questionnaire scores were DRSP, 44.7; V-RQOL, 57.1; and VHI-10, 16. An inverse correlation was found between the V-RQOL score and D; however, a positive correlation was found between both the VHI-10 and DRSP scores and D. CONCLUSION: A predominance of adult women, organic dysphonia, moderate voice deviation, high dysphonia risk, and low to moderate quality of life impact characterized our sample. There were correlations between the scores of each of the three questionnaires and the degree of voice deviation. It should be noted that the DRSP monitored the degree of dysphonia severity, which reinforces its applicability for patients with different laryngeal diagnoses.

Laryngeal and voice disorders in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms. Correlation with pH-monitoring / Alterações laríngeas e vocais em pacientes com sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico. Correlação com exame de phmetria

PURPOSE: To investigate laryngeal and voice disorders in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms and their correlation with pH-monitoring. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in patients attended at the Voice Disorder Outpatient Clinics of Botucatu Medical School in a five-year period and had vocal and gastroesophagic symptoms. Patients underwent videolaryngoscopy, auditory-perceptual vocal analyses, computerized acoustic vocal analysis and dual probe pH-monitoring for 24 hours. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included (aged between 21 and 65 years; 45 women and 12 men), 18 had normal (31.6%) and 39 had abnormal pH-monitoring results (68.4%). Videolaryngoscopy recorded several laryngeal lesions for both patients with normal and abnormal pH-monitoring, but mostly for the latter group, highlighting posterior pachyderma. Auditory-perceptual vocal assessments identified vocal changes of several intensities for both groups but especially for patients with abnormal pH-monitoring results. All acoustic parameters, except f0, were abnormal for both groups, compared to the control population. CONCLUSION: Acoustic and perceptual vocal changes and laryngeal lesions were recorded for both patients with normal pH-monitoring results and patients with abnormal pH-monitoring results, evidencing the importance of clinical history and videolaryngoscopic findings for diagnosing acid laryngitis.

OBJETIVO: Investigar as alterações laríngeas e vocais em pacientes com sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico e correlacioná-las com o exame de phmetria. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo que incluiu os pacientes atendidos nos ambulatórios de Distúrbios da Voz da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu no período de cinco anos com sintomas vocais e gastroesofágicos. Os pacientes foram submetidos à videolaringoscopia, às análises vocais perceptivo-auditivas, a analise vocal acústica computadorizada e ao exame de pHmetria de dois canais com monitorização durante 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 57 pacientes (entre 21 a 65 anos; 45 mulheres e 12 homens). Desses, 18 apresentavam pHmetria normal (31,6%) e 39 alterada (68,4%). As videolaringoscopias registraram diversas lesões laríngeas tanto nos pacientes com pHmetria normal como alterada, sendo mais relevantes neste último grupo, destacando-se a paquidermia posterior. As avaliações vocais perceptivo-auditivas identificaram alterações vocais de diversas intensidades em ambos os grupos, mais importantes nos pacientes com pHmetria alterada. Todos os parâmetros acústicos, exceto Fo, mostraram-se alterados em ambos os grupos, quando comparados aos controles. CONCLUSÕES: Alterações vocais perceptivas e acústicas, e lesões laríngeas foram registradas tanto nos pacientes com phmetria normal como alterada, sinalizando para a importância da historia clínica e dos achados videolaringoscópicos no diagnóstico das laringites ácidas.

Paradoxical vocal fold motion: respiratory retraining to manage long-term symptoms / Movimento paradoxal de pregas vocais: reeducação respiratória no monitoramento de sintomas de longo prazo

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a laryngeal disorder characterized by abnormal adduction of the vocal folds during respiration. It is caused by a multitude of etiologies and their interactions. In the current study, a 24-year-old female patient with a 12-year complaint of shortness of breath was diagnosed with paradoxical vocal fold motion following nasal endoscopy, spirometry testing and detailed case history analysis. She had no history or indication of laryngopharyngeal reflux or chronic cough. She performed respiratory retraining exercises three to four times daily for a period of four weeks, and continued daily exercises for two additional months as needed. After four weeks of treatment, abnormal vocal fold adduction continued to be seen on endoscopy and the patient was mildly symptomatic. One month post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient reported rare shortness of breath. At three months post-treatment, there was no abnormal vocal fold adduction and the patient no longer reported shortness of breath. She reported normal breathing with no symptoms one year later. The results suggest that non-pulmonary related shortness of breath treated with respiratory retraining can effectively eliminate dyspnea in patients with long term breathing difficulties caused by paradoxical vocal fold motion. Resolution may require treatment over an extended period of time.

O movimento paradoxal de pregas vocais (MPPV) é um distúrbio caracterizado por adução anormal das pregas vocais durante a respiração. Esse distúrbio é causado por uma série de causas e por suas interações. No presente estudo, uma paciente de 24 anos, do sexo feminino, com queixa de falta de ar há 12 anos teve o diagnóstico de movimento paradoxal de pregas vocais, a partir de dados de análise laríngea por nasoendoscopia, espirometria e avaliação clínica. A paciente não tinha histórico nem sinais de refluxo laringo-faríngico ou tosse crônica. A paciente foi submetida à reeducação respiratória, com treinamento de exercícios realizados de 3 a 4 vezes ao dia, por um período de quatro semanas, seguindo com um regime de exercícios diários por mais dois meses. Após quatro semanas de tratamento, a nasoendoscopia continuou indicando adução anormal das pregas vocais, porém em grau leve. Depois de um mês de tratamento, a movimentação das pregas vocais regularizou-se e a paciente referia frequência reduzida dos episódios de falta de ar. No acompanhamento de três meses após o tratamento, não foi observada alteração de adução de pregas vocais e nem referência à queixa de falta de ar. Somente no controle após um ano, a paciente mostrou-se livre de sintomas laríngeos e alteração respiratória. Os resultados sugerem que falta de ar sem alteração pulmonar, tratada por meio de reeducação respiratória fonoaudiológica, pode ser efetiva na eliminação da dispneia em pacientes com história crônica de dificuldades respiratórias causadas por movimento paradoxal de pregas vocais. A resolução do problema pode necessitar um tratamento prolongado.

Sindrome de laringe irritable / Irritable larynx syndrome

Dentro de las funciones laríngeas, la refleja es la más desarrollada y por ello conlleva a un sofisticado mecanismo de regulación sensitivo-motora que aún no conocemos del todo bien. Este fino mecanismo de regulación puede verse modificado por una alteración del control neuronal, provocando un estado de hipersensibilidad de respuesta a nivel laríngeo ante una gran variedad de estímulos. Las diversas formas de manifestación de esta hiperreactividad se agrupan en lo descrito como “Síndrome de Laringe Irritable”, entidad que da respuesta a gran cantidad de pacientes de curso crónico, persistente y que no presentan una causa clara o demostrable que explique su sintomatología. El manejo de estos pacientes debe ser multidisciplinario, no existiendo aún un tratamiento específico para ello, por lo cual se nos presenta no sólo como un desafío diagnóstico sino también de manejo terapéutico.

The reflected functions in the larynx is the most developed and so carries a sophisticated mechanism for regulating sensory-motor still does not know all that well. This fine regulation mechanism may be to modify by an alteration of neural control, causing a hypersensitivity response to laryngeal level in a variety of stimuli. The various manifestations of this hiperreacividad are grouped into what is described as Irritable Larynx Syndrome, an entity that responds to many patients during chronic, persistent and with no clear cause or a demonstrable to explain their symptoms. The management of these patients should be multidisciplinary not yet exist a specific treatment for this reason that we are presented not only as a diagnostic challenge but also of therapeutic.

Incidência de alterações estruturais das pregas vocais associadas ao pólipo de prega vocal / Incidence of structural vocal fold abnormalities associated with vocal fold polyps

A etiologia mais aceita para pólipos de pregas vocais é o fonotrauma. Imaginamos que possa existir alguma alteração anatômica prévia nas pregas vocais que predisponha indivíduos a apresentarem lesões fonotraumáticas. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo retrospectivo procura encontrar correlação entre os pólipos de prega vocal e alterações estruturais da prega vocais. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foi realizado trabalho retrospectivo a partir da descrição cirúrgica de 33 pacientes submetidos a exérese de pólipo de prega vocal no período de três anos em hospital universitário. RESULTADOS: Trinta e um pacientes apresentaram pólipos unilaterais e 2 bilaterais. Foram encontradas 27 lesões associadas: 10 lesões reacionais, 12 sulcos, 3 cistos e 2 ectasia capilars. Foram 14 lesões contralaterais e 13 ipsilaterais. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Encontrou-se uma forte correlação entre a presença de uma lesão de base influindo como co-fator de fragilização da prega vocal ao fonotrauma, pois das 27 lesões encontradas 17 foram consideradas pré-existentes (63 por cento). As lesões poderiam interferir na coaptação das pregas vocais, gerando uma onda mucosa irregular durante a fonação, expondo o espaço de Reinke a uma agressão estrutural. Apesar do caráter preliminar do trabalho os achados sugerem íntima correlação entre o pólipo e lesões estruturais mínimas das pregas vocais.

Phonotrauma is considered the main cause of vocal fold polyps (VFP). However, the authors believe that an underlying anatomical deviation could render the vocal folds more susceptible to such trauma. AIM: To prove this hypothesis a retrospective chart review was carried out to correlate the surgical findings of patients with VFP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The charts of thirty-three patients who underwent surgery for excision of VFP were reviewed: 21 had right VFP, 10 had left VFP and 2 had bilateral lesions. RESULTS: Associated lesions were reported in 27 patients (14 lesions on the opposite VF and 13 on the ipsilateral VF): 10 opposite nodules, 12 sulcus vocalis, 3 cysts, and 2 capillary engorgement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of associated anatomical lesions to the VF (63 percent) suggests that patients with these minor underlying anatomical deviations are more vulnerable to vocal abuse, probably because they present abnormal glottic closure and an irregular vibratory margin.

Reflujo faringolaríngeo: revisión bibliográfica: [revisión] / Pharyngolaryngeal reflux: a literature review: [revision]

El reflujo faringolaríngeo (RFL) es un síndrome que se asocia a una constelación de síntomas. Entre ellos los más frecuentemente descritos son la disfonía, la fatiga vocal, el globus faríngeo, la tos crónica y la carraspera. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en bases de datos internacionales y nacionales en relación a RFL. Se utilizaron palabras clave como globus, carraspera, laringitis, disfonía y reflujo gastroesofágico. Se obtuvieron alrededor de 35 referencias en relación al tema estudiado, siendo la mayoría publicadas con posterioridad al año 2000. En relación a su etiología, se cree que el flujo retrógrado de contenido gástrico hacia la faringe sería el hecho más importante para su génesis, pero recientemente se ha demostrado que si bien este hecho patológico es fundamental en la producción de los síntomas, existen factores adicionales, capaces de perpetuarlo, permitiendo considerar al RFL como una entidad diferente del reflujo gastroesofágico (RGE).

Pharyngolaryngeal reflux (RFL) is a syndrome associated to a variety of symptoms. Among them, the most frequently described are dysphonia, vocal fatigue, pharyngeal globus, chronic coughing and throat clearing. An exhaustive search of international and national databases was performed. Globus, throat clearing, laryngitis and gastroesophageal reflux were used as keywords. Some 35 search-related references were retrieved, of which most were published from 2000 to date. Respect to the etiology of pharyngolaryngeal reflux, the current view is that gastric contain reflux to the pharynx is the most important factor, but recently it has been demonstrated that, although this pathological trait is pivotal for symptoms appearance, there are additional factors that could perpetuate the symptoms in time, which contribute to consider RFL as a different entity from gastroesophageal reflux (RGE).

A interferência da muda vocal nas lesões estruturais das pregas vocais / The interference of voice change on structural vocal cords lesions

Estudo de coorte contemporânea longitudinal. A muda vocal pode ser definida como um conjunto de mudanças no padrão da voz, que ocorreria entre a infância e a puberdade. Neste período, algumas lesões das pregas vocais, mais especificamente os cistos e nódulos, podem sofrer transformações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as modificações que a muda vocal determinou nas pregas vocais de crianças com alterações estruturais, como nódulos, cisto ou sulco. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram reavaliados todos os exames de videolaringoscopia ou nasofibroscopia de crianças menores de dez anos que apresentavam alterações estruturais nas pregas vocais, nódulos, cistos, ou sulcos realizados no ambulatório de laringologia da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, durante o período de 1997 a 2002. Destas crianças, todas as que já tinham passado pela muda vocal foram convocadas para repetir o exame e responder a um questionário referente à muda. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas onze crianças nas quais observou-se expressiva diminuição da queixa de disfonia após a muda. As lesões tipo espessamento tenderam a ser reabsorvidas e as lesões tipo abaulamento sofreram transformações sem desaparecer. CONCLUSÃO: A caracterização da lesão e das conseqüentes modificações que ocorrem com a muda são fundamentais na conduta frente uma criança com disfonia.

A longitudinal cohort study Introduction: Voice change may be defined as a group of changes in voice pattern that take place between childhood and puberty. During this period some vocal cord lesions (specifically cysts and nodules) may undergo transformation. AIM: To evaluate changes in vocal cord structural lesions following voice changes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All laringoscopic exams made at the Sao Paulo Santa Casa de Misericordia between 1997 and 2002 of children aged below 10 years with structural lesions were reevaluated. Children whose voice had already changed repeated the exam and answered a questionary about voice change. RESULTS: Eleven children were studied. Observation showed that hoarseness was significantly decreased after voice change, and that lesions revealed modifications. Thickened-like lesions were reabsorved, and protrusion-like lesions underwent modification but did not disappear. CONCLUSION: The definition of lesions and subsequent modifications after voice change are important to define the correct approach to children presenting hoarseness.

Papilomatose de laringe / Laryngeal papillomatosis

A papilomatose de laringe é a neoplasia benigna que mais frequentemente acomete a laringe, tanto em crianças quanto em adultos, causada pelo papiloma virus humano, em especial pelos tipos 6 e 11. A apresentação clínica é variável e a evolução praticamente imprevisível, devido especialmente ao alto grau de recorrência típico desta entidade...

Evaluación de amigdalectomias y adenoidectomias realizadas en el Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado de Arequipa entre 1975 a 1994

Se realiza el presente trabajo de investigación para determinar la tendencia de este tipo de intervenciones quirúrgicas en nuestro medio, comparandolas con las obtenidas en otros lugares, ademas sus indicaciones, técnicas quirúrgicas, epidemiología y complicaciones. Se seleccionaron a todos los pacientes sometidos a amigdalectomía, adenoidectomía y adenoamigdalectomía en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del H.R.H.D.A entre los años 1975 a 1994. El presente trabajo de investigación es un estudio de corte transversal, descriptivo y retrospectivo. El grupo etáreo que fue intervenido quirúrgicamente con mayor frecuencia está comprendido entre 10 a 19 años(37.50 por ciento), la mayoría amigdalectomizados(42.55 por ciento), seguido del de 0 a 9 años(29.69 por ciento), la mayor parte adenoamigdalectomizados(70 por ciento); del total de operados el sexo femenino fue el más prevalente(54.69 por ciento). Los sintomas más comunes en amigdalectomizados correspondió a la odinofagía(63.15 por ciento), disfagia(35.08 por ciento), sensación febril(36.84 por ciento), artralgiamialgia(31.57 por ciento), rinorrea(29.82 por ciento), halitosis(17.54 por ciento) y eliminación de caseum(14.03 por ciento); en adenoidectomizados: dificultad respiratoria nasal(70.58 por ciento), respiración bucal(70.58 por ciento) y rinorrea(64.70 por ciento). Los signos clínicos más frecuentemente encontrados en amigdalectomizados son la hipertrofia amigdalina(80.70 por ciento), congestión de amígdalas(47.37 por ciento), caseum(42.10 por ciento), congestión de pilares(38.59 por ciento) y adenopatía(35.08 por ciento); en adenoidectomizados: masa adenoidea(70.58 por ciento), adenopatía(41.17 por ciento) y rinitis(41.17 por ciento). Las indicaciones quirúrgicas prevalentes fueron en amigdalectomias: amigdalitis recurrente(47.36 por ciento), amigdalitis crónica(14.03 por ciento), obstrucción respiratoria o alteración de la deglución(5.26 por ciento); en adenoidectomías: obstrucción nasal crónica por adenoides(88.24 por ciento). La técnica quirúrgica más empleada en amigdalectomías es la disección extracapsular y lazo(91.23 por ciento) y en adenoidectomías la exéresis con adenótomo(52.94 por ciento). El total de complicaciones postoperatorias fue de 14.06 por ciento. En amigdalectomía la hemorragia(6.38 por ciento) e inflamación del paladar blando y úvula(4.26 por ciento), en adenoidectomías la fiebre(14.29 por ciento) y en la mixta la inflamación del paladar blando(10 por ciento)