Vocal Folds Leukoplakia: The Efficacy of Vitamin A in the Initial Treatment

Abstract Introduction Laryngeal leukoplakia corresponds to a white lesion in the mucosa developed by the deposit of keratin in the epithelium, potentiated by chronic smoking. It is considered a preneoplastic lesion. Surgery is the most adopted treatment; however, non-surgical treatment is advocated by some authors. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin A in the management of vocal fold leukoplakia. Methods Patients with videolaryngoscopy diagnosis of vocal fold leukoplakia were selected. The endoscopic images were photographed and with the aid of the ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA), the proportion of the size of the leukoplakia was calculated. Eligible patients were prescribed 50,000U of vitamin A, twice daily for 2 months, at which point videolaryngostroboscopy was repeated for comparative analysis between pre and posttreatment. The efficacy of the treatment was classified as: outcome I - complete improvement of the lesion, outcome II - partial improvement, and outcome III - no difference or increased lesion size. Results Fifteen patients (eight women, seven men) were included, six of whom had bilateral lesions. Smoking was reported in 86.8% of patients. Complete improvement of the lesion was found in 7 cases (33.4%, outcome I), partial improvement in 6 (28.6%, outcome II), and worsening of the injury in 8 (38.1%, outcome III). Of the latter, 6 underwent microsurgery; histopathology indicated absence of dysplasia in 3, and mild dysplasia in 3. Conclusions In this study, the treatment with vitamin A at a dose of 100,000 IU daily for 2 months was effective in reducing the laryngeal leukoplakia size in 62% of cases.

Development and validation of a 3D laryngeal model in surgical skills training

Abstract Objective: To present and validate a new simulation model for endoscopic phonomicrosurgery training as an improved teaching method. Methods: A low-cost artificial model was assembled using 3D printing, silicone, and gelatin. The study was designed to test the model's ability to carry out training and teaching of endoscopic phonomicrosurgery. The synthetic model was built to simulate normal and pathological vocal folds such as polyps, intracordal cysts and keratoses, made of silicone and gelatin and embedded in a larynx framework made by 3D printing. Simulations of endoscopic surgical procedures were performed and documented through photographs and videos and the images were submitted to the evaluation of a group of 17 otorhinolaryngologists who used a Likert scale questionnaire. The responses were submitted to an agreement analysis using the sum of the scores obtained for the responses as an appropriate level of validation. Cronbach's alpha index was calculated to measure the degree of the questionnaire internal consistency. Result: The evaluations indicated maximum approval for the model adequacy for use in practical classes and for the teaching of the procedures, as well as in the overall satisfaction with the model in the use of surgical training. Conclusion: The present proposal for training laryngeal endoscopic surgery in a 3D synthetic model is a viable option according to the validation methodology used in the present study.

The aging larynx: An anatomical perspective

There has been a striking increase in the geriatric population worldwide over the last few decades. As the aging process continues to alter functioning of all body systems, the human voice is also significantly affected. The senile voice is characterized by its changes in pitch, hoarseness, tremulousness, and breathiness with reduced harmonics and intensity. Such phonatory changes in the elderly may hinder effective communication, thus bringing down their confidence levels and impairing their quality of life. These characteristic features that distinguish the senile voice from younger speakers are accompanied by age?related changes in the organ of phonation, the larynx. The summative morphological and structural changes occurring in the elderly larynx have been referred to as “Presbylarynx.” The present review article is an attempt by the authors to explore the various anatomical age-related changes occurring in the larynx that may be responsible for altered vocal function in the elderly. An improved understanding of the anatomical basis of the aged voice can give further directions into the management of vocal disorders and improved speech performance in the elderly.

Study on structure and functions of organs involved in the formation of khuumii sound / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#Khuumii (throat singing) is a unique form of art derived from the nomadic population of Central Asia, producing two or more “simultaneous” sounds and melodies through the organ of speech. @*Material and Methods@#The aim of the study is to identify the anatomical structures involved in the formation of khuumii and the features and patterns of their functions and compare each type of khuumii as performed by Mongolian people. A total of 60 participants aged 18-60 years (54 men and 6 women) were selected by non-random sampling method using cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software using questionnaires, X-ray, endoscopy, sound research method, and general blood tests. @*Results@#90.7% of the khuumii singers were male and 9.3% were female. The average height of the participants was 172.91±0.93 cm (arithmetic mean and mean error), average body weight was 77.53±2.46 kg, and body mass index was 25.93±5.31 respectively. Heart rate was 92.19±20.71 per minute prior to khuumii while 133.19±19.09 after performing khuumii and 85.81-98.56 at 95% confidence interval. In terms of ethnicity (ethnographically), the Khalkh were the largest ethnic group (72.1%), followed by Bayad, Buryatia, Darkhad, Torguud, and Oirat (2.3%), respectively. 60.5% of the participants were professional khuumii singers who graduated from relevant universities and colleges. The process of Khuumii was recorded by X-ray examination, and laryngeal endoscopy evaluated the movement of true and false vocal chords, interstitial volume, movements of epiglottis and arytenoid cartilage, and mucosa. Khuumii increases the workload of the cardiovascular system by 70-80%. Furthermore, the sound frequency is 2-4 times higher than that of normal speech, and sound volume is 0.5-1 times higher. 95.3% of throat singers did not have a sore throat, 88.4% did not experience heavy breathing, and 74.1% had no hoarseness. During the formation of khuumii sound, thoracic cavity, diaphragm, and lungs regulate the intensity of the air reaching the vocal folds, exert pressure on the airways and vibrate the sound waves through air flows passing through the larynx and vocal folds. Mouth-nose cavity as well as pharynx are responsible for echoing the sound.@*Conclusion@#It is appropriate to divide khuumii into two main types according to structural and functional changes in the organs involved; shakhaa and kharkhiraa. Khuumii, the “Human music” originating from the people of Altai Khangai basin by imitating the sounds of nature with their own voice in ancient times, spread all over the world from Mongolia and it is proposed to classify khuumii into two main types of shakhaa and kharkhiraa in terms of structural involvement and functionality.

The Effect of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Grafted Fascia into the Vocal Fold of Rabbits

Abstract Introduction The human larynx is a very important organ for communication. Many conditions lead to scarring of the vocal folds, decreasing voice quality. Objective We aimed to determine whether fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) may influence tissue integration of grafted fascia into the vocal folds of an animal model. Methods This is an experimental animal study with 12 adult rabbits that were submitted to a grafting fragment obtained from superficial cervical fascia into the vocal fold lamina propria, bilaterally. The right vocal fold was injected with FGFs. The animals were sacrificed after 1 month or 12 months, depending on the group they were assigned to, and a histological analysis of their vocal folds was performed.We analyzed the histological changes (such as the presence of fibrosis and neovascularization) induced by the acute or chronic inflammatory reactions. Results The FGFs induced acute inflammatory changes in all animals after 1 month of the initial experiment. The presence of FGFs triggered more fibrosis than the expected due to the surgical procedure itself when compared with the control side of all animals after 12 months of the initial experiment. Conclusions Fibroblast growth factors alone do not represent a good therapeutic option in phonosurgery, since we observed higher levels of fibrosis in the vocal fold lamina propria. Further studies combining more substances may be necessary to elucidate the best option to be used in this kind of surgery. (AU)

Cause of Aspiration During HNC Treatment

Aspiration, the entry of material into the airway below the true vocal folds, has been reported in various type of postsurgical head and neck patients. The important of correctly identifying the cause of aspiration in the head and neck surgical patient. Clearly each cause represents a different physiologic or anatomic disorder which requires different management strategy. We discuss about the cause of aspiration during head and neck treatment.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans in human vocal fold lamina propria / Glicosaminoglicanos sulfatados na lâmina própria de prega vocal humana

Abstract Introduction: The distribution, concentration and function of glycosaminoglycans in the various vocal fold tissues are still unclear. Objective: To evaluate the distribution and concentration of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in different layers of the human vocal fold according to gender and age. Methods: We used 11 vocal folds obtained from cadavers (7 men and 4 women) with no laryngeal lesion, less than 12 h after death, and aged between 35 and 98 years. The folds underwent glycosaminoglycans extraction from the cover and ligament, and post-electrophoresis analysis. Data were compared according to the layer, age and gender. Results: The concentration of dermatan sulfate was significantly higher in all layers. No differences were observed in the total concentrations of glycosaminoglycans in layers studied according to gender. It is significantly lower in the cover of individuals aged below 60 years. Conclusion: Dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and heparan sulfate were observed in the human vocal folds cover and ligament of both genders, with the concentration of dermatan sulfate being significantly higher in all layers. Glycosaminoglycans concentration on the cover is significantly lower in individuals below 60 years compared with elderly.

Resumo Introdução: A distribuição, concentração e função dos glicosaminoglicanos nos diversos tecidos da prega vocal ainda não está esclarecida. Objetivo: Avaliar a distribuição e concentração dos glicosaminoglicanos sulfatados nas diferentes camadas da prega vocal humana de acordo com o sexo e a idade. Método: Foram usadas 11 pregas vocais obtidas de cadáveres (sete homens e quatro mulheres) sem lesão de laringe, com menos de 12 horas de óbito e entre 35 e 98 anos. As pregas foram submetidas à extração de glicosaminoglicanos da cobertura e ligamento e leitura pós-eletroforese. Os dados foram comparados segundo camada, idade e sexo. Resultados: A concentração de dermatan sulfato foi significativamente maior em todas as camadas. Não foram observadas diferenças nas concentrações totais de glicosaminoglicanos nas camadas estudadas quanto ao gênero. É significantemente menor em indivíduos abaixo de 60 anos na cobertura. Conclusão: Dermatam sulfato, condroitim sulfato e heparam sulfato foram observados na cobertura e no ligamento de pregas vocais humanas, de ambos os sexos, sendo a concentração de dermatam sulfato foi significativamente maior em todas as camadas. A concentração de glicosaminoglicanos na cobertura é significativamente menor em indivíduos abaixo de 60 anos em comparação com idosos.

Fonoterapia com fonação em tubos em paciente com paralisia de prega vocal medializada cirurgicamente: estudo de caso / Speech therapy with phonation into tubes in a patient with vocal fold paralysis surgically medialized: a case study

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as modificações vocais perceptivo-auditivas e acústicas ocorridas após um método de fonoterapia breve usando três modalidades de fonação em tubos em um sujeito do gênero masculino com paralisia unilateral de prega vocal medializada cirurgicamente. Paciente do gênero masculino, 29 anos e um mês de idade, com diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico de paralisia de prega vocal esquerda em abdução e encaminhado para cirurgia de medialização da prega vocal esquerda (Tiroplastia tipo I) e fonoterapia. Foram realizadas cinco coletas da emissão da vogal /a:/ em momentos distintos, sendo eles: antes da cirurgia; após dez dias da cirurgia (antes da fonoterapia); após seis dias de execução da técnica de fonação em tubo de látex imerso em água; após seis dias de execução de fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água; após seis dias de execução da fonação em tubo de menor diâmetro. Foi realizada avaliação acústica de fonte glótica, espectrográfica e perceptivo-auditiva. A fonoterapia com os três diferentes exercícios de fonação em tubo, durante 18 dias de tratamento condensado, proporcionou na análise acústica, melhora da maioria das medidas de perturbação de frequência e de componentes surdos ou não sonorizados; da intensidade da cor do traçado da espectrografia de banda larga, da regularidade dos traçados espectrográficos e da definição dos formantes; na análise perceptivo-auditiva, houve redução de tensão, aspereza e soprosidade.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to verify the perceptive-auditory and acoustic voice changes after speech therapy with phonation into tubes in a male subject with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, medialized surgically. The patient was a male, twenty nine years and one month, with otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of left vocal fold paralysis in abduction. The subject was referred to medialization surgery of the left vocal fold (Thyroplasty type I) and to speech therapy. Five collections of the vowel /a:/ occurred at different times, as follows: before surgery; ten days after surgery (before speech therapy); six days after the performance of the technique of phonation into latex tube immersed in water; six days after the performance of the technique of phonation into glass tube immersed in water; six days after the performance of the technique of phonation into tube of smaller diameter. There was acoustic analysis of glottal source, spectrographic analysis and perceptive-auditory analysis. Final comments: The speech therapy with three different exercises of phonation, for 18 days, provided, in the acoustic analysis, improvement of most frequency perturbation measures and measures of voiceless or not sounded components; improvement of the intensity of the tracing color of the wide-band spectroscopy; improvement of the regularity of the spectrographic tracing and of the definition of formants; in the perceptive-auditory analysis, there was reduction of tension, roughness and breathiness.

Laringitis fúngica en pacientes inmunocompetentes / Fungal laryngitis in immunocompetent patients

Introducción: La laringitis fúngica es una patología poco planteada en pacientes inmunocompetentes, sin embargo se debería tener en consideración en el diagnóstico diferencial de leucoplaquias en estos pacientes, más aún con factores predisponentes como reflujo faringolaríngeo, tabaquismo crónico y/o uso de corticoides. Objetivo: Presentar una serie de casos de pacientes inmunocompetentes con diagnóstico clínico de laringitis fúngica y tratamiento antimicótico empírico. Describir la asociación con factores predisponentes claves. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a 11 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de laringitis fúngica por correlación de la clínica, factores predisponentes y hallazgos en la videoestroboscopía laríngea (leucoplaquias múltiples en los pliegues vocales) sumado a la respuesta a tratamiento empírico con fluconazol oral. Se realizó además una revisión de la literatura disponible hasta el año 2015. Resultados: Todos los diagnósticos fueron clínicos correlacionando síntomas con hallazgo de leucoplaquias características en la laringe. El principal factor asociado fue el reflujo faringolaríngeo (91%) seguido por uso de corticoides (55%). Todos los pacientes fueron tratados con un esquema empírico de fluconazol oral por 14-21 días. El 100% de los pacientes respondió de forma exitosa al uso de este fármaco con remisión de los síntomas y de las lesiones laríngeas. Conclusión: El diagnóstico clínico y tratamiento con fluconazol oral como tratamiento de primera línea generarían buena tasa de respuesta, siempre que se correlacionen los síntomas y signos del paciente con los hallazgos encontrados en la laringe.

Introduction: The fungal laryngitis is an unusual disease in immunocompetent patients, however should take into consideration in the differential diagnosis of leukoplakias, especially in patients with predisposing factors such as pharyngolaryngeal reflux, use of inhaled, oral or intravenous corticosteroids. Aim: Describe a series of cases of fungal laryngitis in immunocompetent patients with clinical diagnosis and empirical antifungal treatment. In addition, finding the association with predisposing factors keys. Material and method: Retrospective study of 11 patients with diagnosis of fungal laryngitis according to clinical presentation, predisposing factors and findings in the laryngeal videostroboscopy (vocal folds leukoplakias) joined the response to empirical treatment with oral fluconazole. Also an extensive literature review was conducted until 2015. Results: The main predisposing factor was the pharyngolaryngeal reflux (91%) followed by use of corticosteroids (55%). All patients were treated empirically with fluconazole for 14-21 days. 100% of patients responded successfully, with remission of symptoms and laryngeal lesions. Conclusion: Clinical diagnosis and treatment with fluconazole as first-line treatment generate good response rate, provided that the patient's symptoms and signs with the findings in the larynx are correlated.

Long term result of arytenoidectomy with CO₂ laser for dyspnoea in iatrogenic bilateral vocal fold paralysis patients / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the optimal time of tracheotomy/arytenoidectomy and the improvement of dyspnoea, dysphonia and dysphagia after arytenoidectomy with CO₂ laser in iatrogenic bilateral vocal folds paralysis patients. Method:Thirty patients [29 females, 56 (49-60) years, one male, 49 years] with bilateral vocal cords paralysis resulted from neck surgery were retrospectively analyzed by case archived information and following-up questionnaire. The data included patients' dysponea time, degree and duration from tracheotomy/arytenoidectomy to neck surgery. Twenty sixty patients required unilateral partial/total arytenoidectomy. The results of treatment were evaluated by questionnaire including dyspnoea, dysphonia and dysphagia. Result:All patients whose bilateral vocal paralysis were resulted from thyroid gland surgery. Dysponea occurred immediately after thyroidectomy surgery in 14 cases (46.7%), and 2 years later after thyroidectomy in 13 cases (43.3%), 8 years later in 3 cases (10.0%). There was one (3.3%) patient without tracheotomy. The duration of tracheotomy/arytenoidectomy to neck surgery was significantly correlated with duration of tracheotomy/arytenoidectomy to dyspnoea appearance (r=0.879, P<0.05), not correlated with duration of thyroid surgery to dyspnoea appearance. There is significantly negative correlation between degree of dyspnoea and duration of tracheotomy/arytenoidectomy to neck surgery (r=0.452, P<0.05). Twenty six patients appeared dyspnoea and underwent CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy after thyoidectomy 0.5-23 years. Five patients did unilateral total arytenoidectomy and 21 patients did unilateral partial arytenoidectomy. After 12-96 months following up, dyspnoea improved in 24 patients, no improved in 2 patients. Dysphonia improved and remained in 17 patients, being worse mildly in 8 patients and obviously in one patient. Dysphagia improved and remained in 24 patients, being worse in 2 patients. There was no difference between total and partial arytenoidectomy in dyspnoea, dysphonia and dysphagia. Conclusion:The morbidity of dyspnoea was correlated with time after neck surgery. It was rarely necessary to take tracheotomy immediately in bilateral vocal fords paralysis patients after neck surgery. The severer degree of dyspnoea led to shorter duration between neck surgery and tracheotomy/arytenoidectomy. There was obvious improvement after arytenoidectomy in dyspnoea, no significant change in dysphonia and dysphagia. The effect of total arytenoidectomy on bilateral vocal paralysis was similar to partial arytenoidectomy.

Inyección intracordal de células madres mesenquimáticas en el manejo de la fibrosis cordal: Experiencia preliminar / Intracordal inyection of mesenchymal stem cells in scarred vocal folds: Preliminary report

Introducción: Las células madres son células no especializadas capaces de transformarse en células con funciones específicas actuando como sistema de reparación. Las células madres mesenquimáticas (CMM) son las más utilizadas actualmente. La fibrosis cordal altera la estructura de las cuerdas vocales afectando seriamente su función, no existiendo hoy una terapia que pueda manejar exitosamente esta condición. Objetivo: Evaluar la acción de la inyección intraoperatoria e intralesional de CMM autólogas en el proceso de reparación de lesiones cicatriciales crónicas en cuerdas vocales en pacientes con fracaso previo a terapias habituales. Material y método: Estudio piloto prospectivo de 3 casos. Se realizó punción de cresta ilíaca para extracción de CMM de médula ósea, que se concentran y expanden. En una segunda etapa se realiza resección de fibrosis cordal bajo laringoscopía directa e inyección intralesional del concentrado de CMM. Se realizó seguimiento videoestroboscópico. Resultados: No hubo complicaciones en sitio de punción de cresta ilíaca ni en laringe tras la inyección. Se observó retorno de la vibración cordal en los 3 pacientes, con mejoría vocal importante en 2 de ellos. Conclusión: La inyección intralesional de CMM aparece como una alternativa promisoria en el manejo de la fibrosis cordal con molestias mínimas para el paciente, requiriendo de mayores estudios.

Introduction: Stem cells are unspecialized cells in the body capable of developing into specialized cells with specific functions workingas a repair system. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are the most currently used. Scarred vocal folds cause severe voice problems. Nowadays there is no therapy that can successfully treat this condition. Aim: Evaluate the results of intraoperative and intralesional injection of autologous MSCs in the repair and healing process of chronic scarred vocal folds in patients with prior failure to usual therapies. Material and method: Prospective pilot study that includes three patients. MSCs were isolated and expanded from bone marrow taken from the Iliac crest of the patients. In a second stage, fibrosis resection was performed under direct laryngoscopy, and MSCs were injected intralesionally. Patients were followed up using videostroboscopy. Results: There were no complications after iliac crest puncture or laryngeal injection. Vocal fold vibration appeared in all 3 patients, with significant improvement in voice quality in two of them. Conclusions: Local injection of mesenchymal stromal cells appears to be a promising alternative in management of scarred vocal fold with minimal discomfort for the patient. Further studies are needed.

Tempo máximo de fonação /a/, tempo máximo de fonação previsto e tipo respiratório de mulheres adultas sem afecções laríngeas / Maximum phonation time of /a/, maximun phonation time predicted and respiratory type in adult women without laryngeal disorders

OBJETIVO: verificar a diferença entre o tempo máximo de fonação /a/ e tempo máximo de fonação previsto em relação ao tipo respiratório, e correlacionar os tempos máximos em mulheres adultas com capacidade vital dentro da normalidade e sem afecções laríngeas. MÉTODOS: pesquisa transversal analítica, quantitativa e retrospectiva, em banco de dados, de 51 sujeitos do sexo feminino, com diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico de ausência de afecção laríngea, com idades entre 18 e 44 anos (média 27,64). Utilizaram-se os dados: maior valor de tempo máximo de fonação de /a/, tempo máximo de fonação previsto, capacidade vital e tipo respiratório. O valor do tempo máximo previsto para mulheres foi calculado multiplicando-se a capacidade vital por 0,0051, e o valor encontrado foi determinante para a classificação do tempo de /a/ em normal, abaixo ou acima do previsto. RESULTADOS: houve diferença significante entre tempo de fonação previsto e os tipos respiratórios superior (17,44s) e misto (15,17s). Não houve diferença significante do tempo máximo de fonação /a/ nos diferentes tipos respiratórios, nem correlação entre tempo de fonação /a/ e tempo previsto. CONCLUSÃO: não houve correlação entre tempo de /a/ e tempo de fonação previsto e este último foi significantemente maior no tipo respiratório superior do que no misto na população estudada. .

PURPOSE: to verify the differences between the maximum phonation time /a/ and maximum phonation time predicted in relation to the respiratory type, and correlate the the maximum in adult women with vital capacity within the normal range and without laryngeal affections. METHODS: cross-sectional analytic research, quantitative and retrospective, in the database, 51 female subjects with an otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of absence of laryngeal affections, aged between 18 and 44 years (mean 27.64). It was used: higher value of maximum phonation time /a/, maximum phonation time predicted, vital capacity and respiratory type. The value of maximum time predicted for women, was calculated by multiplying the vital capacity by 0.0051, and the value found was decisive for the classification of phonation time /a/ in normal, below or above expectations. RESULTS: there were significant differences between maximum time predicted and respiratory type superior (17,44s) and mixed (15,17s). No significant difference phonation time /a/ in different and respiratory type, or correlation between phonation time /a/ and maximum time predicted. CONCLUSION: there was no correlation between phonation time /a/ and maximum time predicted and the maximum time predicted was significantly higher in respiratory type superior than in mixed. .

Anatomical study of minor alterations in neonate vocal folds / Estudo de alterações anatômicas menores em pregas vocais de neonatos

INTRODUCTION: Minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover are frequent causes of voice abnormalities. They may be difficult to diagnose, and are expressed in different manners. Cases of intracordal cysts, sulcus vocalis, mucosal bridge, and laryngeal micro-diaphragm form the group of minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover investigated in the present study. The etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of these alterations are poorly known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the existence and anatomical characterization of minor structural alterations in the vocal folds of newborns. METHODS: 56 larynxes excised from neonates of both genders were studied. They were examined fresh, or defrosted after conservation via freezing, under a microscope at magnifications of 25× and 40×. The vocal folds were inspected and palpated by two examiners, with the aim of finding minor structural alterations similar to those described classically, and other undetermined minor structural alterations. Larynges presenting abnormalities were submitted to histological examination. RESULTS: Six cases of abnormalities were found in different larynges: one (1.79%) compatible with a sulcus vocalis and five (8.93%) compatible with a laryngeal micro-diaphragm. No cases of cysts or mucosal bridges were found. The observed abnormalities had characteristics similar to those described in other age groups. CONCLUSION: Abnormalities similar to sulcus vocalis or micro-diaphragm may be present at birth. .

INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações estruturais mínimas (AEM) da cobertura das pregas vocais são causas frequentes de alterações vocais. Podem ser de diagnóstico difícil, e expressam-se de modo variável. O cisto intracordal, o sulco vocal, a ponte de mucosa e o microdiafragama laríngeo constituem o grupo das AEM da cobertura das pregas vocais pesquisadas neste estudo. Sua etiopatogenia e epidemiologia não são bem conhecidas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a existência e a caracterização anatômica das AEM em prega vocal de neonatos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 56 laringes excisadas de neonatos, de ambos os sexos. As laringes foram examinadas a fresco ou descongeladas após conservação por congelação, sob microscopia com aumento de 25 e 40×. As pregas vocais foram inspecionadas e palpadas por dois examinadores, com o intuito de encontrar AEM semelhantes às classicamente descritas e outras indeterminadas. As laringes com alterações foram submetidas a exame histológico. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas seis alterações em laringes distintas: uma (1,79%) compatível com sulco vocal e cinco (8,93%) compatíveis com microdiafragma laríngeo. Não foram encontrados cistos e pontes de mucosa. As alterações presentes apresentavam características semelhantes às descritas em outras faixas etárias. CONCLUSÃO: Alterações semelhantes ao sulco vocal e ao microdiafragma laríngeo podem estar presentes ao nascimento. .

Afecções laríngeas, tempos máximos de fonação e capacidade vital em mulheres com disfonia organofuncional / Laryngeal disorders, maximum phonation times and vital capacity in women with organofunctional dysphonia

OBJETIVO: verificar e correlacionar os tempos máximos de fonação (TMF) de vogais, a capacidade vital (CV) e os tipos de afecções laríngeas (AL) de mulheres com disfonia organofuncional (DOF). MÉTODO: pesquisa retrospectiva, transversal, exploratória, não experimental, quantitativa, com banco de dados de medidas de TMF [a, i, u], de CV e de AL de mulheres com DOF; e os testes estatísticos Qui- quadrado e exato de Fisher, para verificar as diferenças entre as variáveis e suas relações e o teste binomial, a fim de verificar a significância de proporção ou percentual da análise descritiva, com p<0,05. RESULTADOS: a maioria (22; 75,86%) apresentou TMF significantemente reduzidos (p=0,0053) e sete (24,14%) TMF normais. A CV normal foi estatisticamente significante (p=0,0001) (26; 89,66%), mas três mulheres (10,34%) a apresentaram reduzida. Houve predomínio significante dos nódulos vocais (p=0,0016) (22; 75,86%), seguido de edema de Reinke (6; 20,69%) e de pólipo vocal (1; 3,45%). Dentre as 22 mulheres (75,86%) que mostraram TMF reduzidos, houve predomínio com CV normal (19; 86,36%), embora sem significância estatística (p=0,558). Das mulheres com TMF normais, todas apresentaram CV normal (7; 100%). A maioria com DOF apresentou CV normal, embora sem significância estatística (p=0,199). CONCLUSÃO: nas mulheres com DOF deste estudo, os TMF reduzidos, a CV normal e a presença de nódulos vocais foram significantes e não houve relação entre as variáveis TMF, CV e AL.

PURPOSE: to determine and to correlate the maximum phonation times (MPT) of vowels, vital capacity (VC) and laryngeal disorders (LD) for women with benign organic lesions resulting from vocal misuse or abuse (BOL). METHOD: retrospective, transverse, exploratory, non-experimental, quantitative study, with measurement database of MPT [a, i, u], VC and LD of women with BOL, and Chi-Square statistic and exact tests of Fisher in order to investigate the differences between the variables and their relationships and a binomial test in order to check the significance of proportion or percentage of descriptive analysis, with p<0.05. RESULTS: the majority (22; 75.86%) showed MPT significantly reduced (p = 0.0053) and seven (24.14%) normal MPT. The normal VC was statistically significant (p = 0.0001) (26; 89.66%), but three women (10.34%) showed it to be reduced. There was significant dominance of vocal nodules (p = 0.0016) (22; 75.86%), followed by Reinke's edema (6, 20.69%) and vocal polyp (1; 3.45%). Among the 22 woman (75.86%) which showed reduced MPT, there was a predominance with normal VC (19; 86.36%), although no statistical significance (p = 0,558). All the individuals with normal MPT showed VC normal (7; 100%). The majority with BOL showed normal VC, although not statistically significant (p=0,199). There was a predominance of vocal nodules and reduced MPT (16; 72.73%), although not statistically significant (p=0.086). In the correlation of the three variables, most of the subjects presented vocal nodules associated with MPT reduced and normal VC (15; 68.18%), although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: in women with BOL in this study, the reduced MPT, the normal VC and the presence of vocal nodules were significant and there was no relationship between the MPT, VC and LD.

Tempos máximos de fonação de vogais em mulheres adultas com nódulos vocais / Maximum phonation time of vowels in adult women with vocal nodules

TEMA: tempos máximos de fonação (TMF) de vogais em mulheres adultas com presença de nódulos vocais. OBJETIVO: verificar e correlacionar os valores de TMF de vogais em mulheres adultas jovens e de meia-idade com presença de nódulos vocais. MÉTODO: utilizaram-se os registros do Banco de dados de uma clínica-escola de Fonoaudiologia, totalizando um grupo de 38 sujeitos. Critérios de inclusão: adultos do sexo feminino com idades entre 20 e 53 anos e diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico de nódulos vocais. Critérios de exclusão: apresentar outra patologia laríngea além dos nódulos vocais; comprometimento auditivo; respiração oral; histórico de doenças neurológicas, psiquiátricas, endocrinológicas ou gástricas; gripe ou quadros de alergias; hábitos de etilismo e/ou tabagismo; tratamento fonoaudiológico e/ou otorrinolaringológico prévios. Foram coletados os dados de anamnese, o diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico, e as medidas de TMF das vogais /a, i, u/ de cada sujeito da amostra. A avaliação dos TMF se deu pela medida da duração de três emissões de cada vogal em estudo, em tom e intensidade habituais, até o final da expiração, com o paciente em pé, considerando-se o maior valor de cada vogal. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente ao nível de significância de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: faixa de idade representativa; TMF e média menos representativos, abaixo da normalidade e com forte correlação positiva e significativa entre si; correlação moderada, positiva e significativa entre os TMF entre si e sua média. CONCLUSÃO: na presença de nódulos vocais em um grupo de mulheres adultas, os TMF encontraram-se reduzidos e positivamente correlacionados, o TMF da vogal /a/ apresentou menor valor quando comparado às demais vogais.

BACKGROUND: maximum phonation times (MPT) of vowels in adult women with vocal nodules. AIM: to verify and to correlate the values of MPT of vowels in young and middle-aged adult women with vocal nodules. METHOD: database records from a speech therapy school-clinic were used, making up a total of 38 subjects. Inclusion criteria: female adults, aged between 20 and 53 years, with otorhinolaryngology diagnosis of vocal nodules. Exclusion criteria: to present a laryngeal pathology other than vocal nodules; hearing loss ; oral breathing; history of neurological, psychiatric, endocrine or gastric disorders; flu or allergy history; drinking and/or smoking habits; previous speech therapy and/or otorhinolaryngology treatments. Anamnesis data, the otorhinolaryngology diagnosis, and the MPT measurements of vowels /a, i, u/ were verified for each subject. MPT evaluation consisted of the duration measurement of three emissions of the vowels, using habitual tone and intensity, until the end of exhalation, with the patient in a standing position, considering the highest value of each vowel. The results were statistically analyzed with a significance level of 5 percent. RESULTS: representative age range; less representative MPT and mean, below normality and with a strong positive and meaningful correlation; moderate, positive and significant correlation between MPTs and their means. CONCLUSION: for the group of adult women with vocal nodules, the MPT values were reduced and positively correlated; the MPT of vowel /a/ presented a lower value when compared to the other investigated vowels.

Análise vocal e laríngea na hipótese diagnóstica de nódulos e cistos / Vocal and laryngeal analyses in diagnostic hypotheses of nodules and cysts

OBJETIVO: Verificar via fonação inspiratória, se parâmetros visuais e perceptivo-auditivos relacionam-se com a hipótese diagnóstica de nódulos e cistos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 21 videolaringoestroboscopias de pacientes com nódulos (n=6) e cistos (n=15), média de idade de 35 anos (13-68 anos), 18 mulheres e três homens. Dados visuais e perceptivo-auditivos dos exames, avaliados na fonação expiratória e inspiratória, foram apresentados aleatoriamente, comparados e registrados em protocolo específico, por fonoaudiólogo especialista em voz, desconhecedor da hipótese diagnóstica. RESULTADOS: Nos nódulos, a vogal sustentada evidenciou maior ocorrência de desvios vocais (66,7 por cento), do que a fala encadeada (33,3 por cento); a vogal sustentada apresentou-se soprosa (100 por cento) e a fala encadeada, adaptada (66,7 por cento). Nos cistos, o desvio foi mais frequente na vogal sustentada (46,7 por cento) do que na fala encadeada (40 por cento); a vogal sustentada apresentou tanto componente rugoso (40 por cento) como soproso (33,3 por cento). Todos os nódulos foram simétricos em localização (100 por cento) e a maioria foi simétrica em tamanho, em ambas as fonações (66,7 por cento e 75 por cento, respectivamente). Os cistos tenderam à simetria em localização (75 por cento), mas não foram simétricos em tamanho (100 por cento). O ligamento vocal foi mais visível nos cistos (53,3 por cento e 80 por cento) do que nos nódulos (33,3 por cento e 66,7 por cento), respectivamente, na fonação expiratória e inspiratória, e mais evidente durante fonação inspiratória. Quando visível nos nódulos, o ligamento vocal foi sempre bilateral (100 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A fonação inspiratória revelou características diferenciais para nódulos e cistos; a análise perceptivo-auditiva ofereceu informação adicional na caracterização das lesões.

PURPOSE: To verify, using inspiratory phonation, whether visual and auditory-perceptual parameters correlate with the diagnostic hypothesis of nodules and cysts. METHODS: Twenty one videolaryngostroboscopies of patients with suspected nodules (n=6) and cysts (n=15) were analyzed. Subjects were 18 women and three men, with mean age of 35 years (13-68 years). Visual and auditory data, obtained from expiratory and inspiratory phonation, were randomly presented, compared and registered in a specific protocol by a trained speech-language pathologist, to whom diagnostic hypotheses were omitted. RESULTS: In nodule cases, sustained vowel showed higher occurrence of vocal deviation (66.7 percent), when compared to speech (33.3 percent); sustained vowel had a breathy quality (100 percent) and speech was adapted (66.7 percent). In cyst cases, deviation was also more frequent during sustained vowel (46.7 percent) than during speech (40 percent); sustained vowel presented both roughness (40 percent) and breathiness (33.3 percent). All nodules were symmetric in location (100 percent), and most were also symmetric in size, in both types of phonation (66.7 percent and 75 percent respectively). Cysts tended to be symmetric in location (75 percent), but asymmetric in size (100 percent). The vocal ligament was more visible in cysts (53.3 percent and 80 percent) than in nodules (33.3 percent and 66.7 percent), in expiratory and inspiratory phonation respectively, and this structure was more evident during inspiratory phonation. When visible in nodules, the vocal ligament was bilateral (100 percent). CONCLUSION: Inspiratory phonation revealed differential characteristics for nodules and cysts diagnoses; the auditory-perceptual evaluation added information to characterize both lesions.

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.

Electrodiagnosis of the Immobile Vocal Folds / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND: Immobile vocal fold or folds result from neuromuscular pathology and/or mechanical fixation of cricoarytenoid joint. Electrophysiological investigation is indispensible in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal mobility disorders. However, laryngeal electrodiagnosis has been rarely performed clinically, not to mention nerve conduction study (NCS). It is well understood that needle EMG and NCS are complementary, and they should be performed together for reliable evaluation of neuromuscular system. OBJECTIVES: The author intended to present the methods and clinical application of laryngeal electrodiagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laryngeal electrodiagnosis including needle EMG and NCS was performed in the patient with bilaterally immobile vocal folds. CONCLUSION: Electrodiagnosis is inevitable in the diagnosis and treatment of larygeal mobility disorders;the differentiation of neurogenic lesion from mechanical fixation, the diagnosis of the site of nerve lesion, and the estimation of the degrees of injuries. Furthermore by performing NCS, we can have the objective prognosticator, and therefore can take the best timing and choice of surgical intervention in the management of laryngeal mobility disorders.