Difficulty producing high-pitched sounds in singing: correlations with laryngostroboscopy and electromyographic findings / Dificuldade na produção de sons agudos no canto: correlações com a laringoestroboscopia e achados eletromiográficos

Abstract Introduction: Difficulties or limitations in producing high-pitched sounds while singing may be due to the vocal technique used or organic factor. The observation of such difficulty or limitation by singing teachers is one of the main reasons affected individuals are referred to otolaryngologists. Objective: To evaluate the laryngostroboscopic and electromyographic changes in the cricothyroid muscles of singers with difficulties or limitations producing high-pitched sounds. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Ten singers with difficulty producing high-pitched sounds underwent voice, laryngostroboscopic, and electromyographic evaluations. Results: None of the evaluated singers presented signs of impairment of the superior laryngeal nerve on laryngostroboscopy. The electromyographic findings for the cricothyroid muscle were normal for all singers. Six singers presented vocal fold lesions, seven had signs suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux, and two presented vascular changes. Conclusion: No signs suggestive of superior laryngeal nerve paresis or paralysis were observed on laryngostroboscopy and electromyography of the cricothyroid muscle in singers with difficulties or limitations producing high-pitched sounds. The presence of vocal fold lesions should be investigated in this population.

Resumo Introdução: Dificuldades ou limitações na produção de sons agudos durante o canto podem ser decorrentes da técnica vocal utilizada ou de fatores orgânicos. A observação dessa dificuldade ou limitação pelos professores de canto é uma das principais razões pelas quais os indivíduos afetados são encaminhados aos otorrinolaringologistas. Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações laringoestroboscópicas e eletromiográficas no músculo cricotireóideo de cantores com dificuldades ou limitações na produção de sons agudos. Método: Estudo de coorte transversal. Dez cantores com dificuldade de produzir sons agudos foram submetidos a avaliações de voz, laringoestroboscópicas e eletromiográficas. Resultados: Nenhum dos cantores avaliados apresentou sinais de comprometimento do nervo laríngeo superior na laringoestroboscopia. Os achados eletromiográficos para o músculo cricotireóideo foram normais para todos os cantores. Seis cantores apresentaram lesões nas pregas vocais, sete apresentaram sinais sugestivos de refluxo laringofaríngeo e dois apresentaram alterações vasculares. Conclusão: Não foram observados sinais sugestivos de paresia ou paralisia do nervo laríngeo superior na laringoestroboscopia e eletromiografia do músculo cricotireóideo em cantores com dificuldades ou limitações na produção de sons agudos. A presença de lesões nas pregas vocais deve ser investigada nessa população.

Quistes de cuerda vocal: experiencia en 44 pacientes del Centro de Voz del Departamento de Otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Vocal Cord Cysts: experience in 44 patients from the Voice Center of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Introducción: Los quistes de cuerda vocal son una causa relativamente frecuente de disfonía. Su origen es aún controversial, y su diagnóstico y manejo continúan siendo un desafío clínico. Objetivo: Exponer y analizar las características clínicas de los quistes de cuerda vocal en nuestra serie de pacientes. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de los pacientes con diagnóstico de quiste de cuerda vocal atendidos en nuestro centro entre junio de 2012 y diciembre de 2015. Resultados: Se atendieron 44 pacientes con diagnóstico de quiste de cuerda vocal, lo que representa el 4,32% de las consultas en nuestro Centro de Voz. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron adultos, y de ellos el 68,29% correspondió a mujeres. El 34,1% de los pacientes fueron sometidos a tratamíento quirúrgico con técnica de microfonocirugía. El 75% de los pacientes operados presentó mejoría en patrón de onda mucosa videolaringoestroboscópica. Todos los pacientes en los que se disponía de encuestas de valoración subjetiva de la voz pre y posoperatorias demostraron mejoría vocal significativa. Conclusión: Los quistes de cuerda vocal son lesiones que afectan a niños y adultos. La videolaringoestroboscopía es clave en el diagnóstico de estas lesiones, y el tratamiento quirúrgico con microfonocirugía es efectiva en cuanto a resultados vocales desde el punto de vista anatómico y funcional.

Introduction: Vocal cord cysts are a relatively frequent cause of dysphonia. Their origin is still controversial, and their diagnosis and management continue to be a clinical challenge. Aim: To describe and analyze the clinical characteristics of vocal cord cysts in our series of patients. Material and method: Descriptive retrospective study of patients with diagnosis of vocal cord cyst attended in our center between June 2012 and December 2015. Results: 44 patients had the diagnosis of vocal cord cyst, which represents 4.32% of the patients that attended our Voice Center during that period. Most of the patients were adults, and among them 68.29% corresponded to women. 34.1% of the patients were submitted to surgical treatment with microphonosurgery technique. 75% of the surgical patients presented an improvement in the pattern of the videolaryngostroboscopic mucosal wave. All the patients in which pre and postsurgical subjective voice assessment polls were available, showed a significant voice improvement. Conclusion: Vocal cord cysts are lesions that affect both children and adults. The videolaryngostroboscopy evaluation is key in the diagnosis of these lesions, and the surgical treatment with microphonosurgery is effective in terms of anatomical and functional vocal results.

Demographic profile and risk factors of patients with benign vocal fold lesions diagnosed through laryngeal videoendoscopy and stroboscopy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of benign vocal cord lesions among Filipino patients in a tertiary institution and identify the demographic characteristics and possible risk factors found among these patients.METHODS:Design: Retrospective Case SeriesSetting: Private Tertiary HospitalParticipants: Records of 2,375 patients who underwent laryngeal video endoscopy and stroboscopy from 2012-2014 were reviewed.RESULTS: There were 632 records of patients with benign vocal fold lesions, of which nodules were most common (211, 33.38%) followed by Reinke's edema (165, 26.10%), cysts (122, 19.30%) and polyps (74, 11.70%) with hoarseness as the most common symptom (542, 85.76%). More than half (336, 53.16%) were aged 21-40 years and almost two-thirds (469, 74.21%) were female. The most common associated factors were caffeine intake (445, 70.41%) and inadequate water intake (370, 58.54%), followed by alcohol (253, 40.03%). Smoking was only present in 146 (23.19%).CONCLUSIONS: Baseline evidence on the prevalence of benign vocal fold lesions in this institution as well as baseline data on the common characteristics and associated factors seen in the sample population may assist us in current practices and guide future studies directed toward treatment and prevention.

Demographic profile and risk factors of patients with benign vocal fold lesions diagnosed through laryngeal videoendoscopy and stroboscopy

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To determine the prevalence of benign vocal cord lesions among Filipino patients in a tertiary institution and identify the demographic characteristics and possible risk factors found among these patients.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>Design:</strong> Retrospective Case Series<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Private Tertiary Hospital<br /><strong>Participants:</strong> Records of 2,375 patients who underwent laryngeal video endoscopy and stroboscopy from 2012-2014 were reviewed.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> There were 632 records of patients with benign vocal fold lesions, of which nodules were most common (211, 33.38%) followed by Reinke's edema (165, 26.10%), cysts (122, 19.30%) and polyps (74, 11.70%) with hoarseness as the most common symptom (542, 85.76%). More than half (336, 53.16%) were aged 21-40 years and almost two-thirds (469, 74.21%) were female. The most common associated factors were caffeine intake (445, 70.41%) and inadequate water intake (370, 58.54%), followed by alcohol (253, 40.03%). Smoking was only present in 146 (23.19%).<br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Baseline evidence on the prevalence of benign vocal fold lesions in this institution as well as baseline data on the common characteristics and associated factors seen in the sample population may assist us in current practices and guide future studies directed toward treatment and prevention.</p>

Relação entre a presença de sinais videolaringoscópicos sugestivos de refluxo laringofaríngeo e distúrbio de voz em professoras / Relationship between the presence of videolaryngoscopic signs suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux and voice disorders in teachers

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a relação entre a presença de sinais videolaringoscópicos sugestivos de refluxo laringofaríngeo (RLF) e distúrbio de voz (DV) em professoras. Métodos Pesquisa de natureza transversal, com amostra por conveniência que teve, como critérios de inclusão, ter mais de 18 anos, ser professor do sexo feminino, procurar atendimento com queixa de DV e/ou de RLF. Os fatores de exclusão foram: ser fumante e apresentar alterações respiratórias. Todos os sujeitos preencheram os seguintes instrumentos: Condição de Produção Vocal – Professor (CPV-P), inclusive o Índice de Triagem para Distúrbio de Voz (ITDV), e o Índice de Desvantagem Vocal (IDV). Fez-se coleta de amostra de fala para avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz e todas foram submetidas à avaliação otorrinolaringológica. Resultados Foram avaliadas 121 professoras, com média de idade de 43 anos e de 7,8 horas-aula por dia. Somente 24% das professoras não apresentaram lesões em pregas vocais e 42,1% apresentaram sinais videolaringoscópicos sugestivos de RLF. No grupo de professoras com presença de sinais de RLF, os sintomas do ITDV mais relatados foram garganta seca, rouquidão, pigarro, e a média do IDV foi de 17,9 pontos. Não houve associação entre distúrbio de voz e presença de sinais videolaringoscópicos sugestivos de RLF. Na análise de regressão logística binária múltipla, os fatores independentes para o RLF foram idade e escore (tercil: 13-20) do IDV. Conclusão Não houve associação entre o DV e o RLF e sim entre idade e escore IDV.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the relationship between the presence of videolaryngoscopic signs suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and voice disorder (VD) in teachers. Methods this is a cross-sectional study with convenience sample and inclusion criteria as subjects 18 years or older, be a teacher female, seek care with complaint of VD and/or LPR. The exclusion criteria included smoking and presence of respiratory changes. All subjects concluded the following instruments: Vocal Production Condition - Teacher (VPC-T), including the Screening Index for Voice Disorder (SIVD); and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Speech samples were collected for voice perceptual assessment and all of them were submitted to otorhinolaryngology review. Results We evaluated 121 teachers, with a mean age of 43 years and 7.8 class hours per day. Only 24.0% of the teachers did not have vocal cord lesions and 42.1% had videolaryngoscopic signs suggestive of LPR. In the group of teachers with presence of Signs suggestive of LPR, the most common symptoms of SIVD were dry throat, hoarseness, throat clearing; the average VHI was 17.9 points. There was no association between voice disorder and presence of videolaryngoscopic signs suggestive of LPR. The independent factors for the LPR in the multiple binary logistic regression analysis were age and VHI score (tertile: 13-20). Conclusion There was no association between VD and LPR, but between age and VHI score.

The Effects of Intralaryngeal Needle Technique in Intracordal Cyst

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgery is considered the primary treatment for intracordal cyst. However, patients who had undergone surgery are still subject to recurrence and continued voice changes. Intracordal cysts naturally disappear in some patient population. Cyst does not always recur in patients who had received partial surgical removal, too. Contradicting results raises a question whether complete surgical removal of intracordal cyst is necessary and demonstrate need for better treatment. Herein, the author proposes novel surgical method technique intralaryngeal needle technique (INT), a technique using surgical needle for not only injection but also for aspiration and excision of cyst. This study aims to examine the potential of intralaryngeal needle technique in treating intracordal cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical procedures were done on in-patients diagnosed with intracordal cyst. 23 patients received follow-up screening after the surgery for one year. Patients' subjective satisfaction levels, acoustic measures, aerodynamic measures, laryngeal stroboscopic results were compared before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Overall patients were satisfied with novel surgical excision method. In terms of aerodynamic measures, maximum phonation time, mean air flow rate improved after the surgery. In terms of acoustic measures, Jitter, Shimmer, NHR, and voice pitch changes after the treatment showed statistically significant differences. Laryngeal stroboscopy results showed significant decreases in cyst sizes. Post-surgery patients had improved mucosal waves and amplitudes values. CONCLUSION: The results show the validity of intralaryngeal needle technique in reducing intracordal cyst size by excision, aspiration, and injection. The author believes this novel technique can be used as an alternative surgical method for intracordal cysts.

Improvement of Vocal Pathologies Diagnosis Using High-Speed Videolaryngoscopy

Introduction The study of the dynamic properties of vocal fold vibration is important for understanding the vocal production mechanism and the impact of organic and functional changes. The advent of high-speed videolaryngoscopy (HSV) has provided the possibility of seeing the real cycle of vocal fold vibration in detail through high sampling rate of successive frames and adequate spatial resolution. Objective To describe the technique, advantages, and limitations of using HSV and digital videokymography in the diagnosis of vocal pathologies. Methods We used HSV and digital videokymography to evaluate one normophonic individual and four patients with vocal fold pathologies (nodules, unilateral paralysis of the left vocal fold, intracordal cyst, and adductor spasmodic dysphonia). The vocal fold vibration parameters (glottic closure, vibrational symmetry, periodicity, mucosal wave, amplitude, and glottal cycle phases) were assessed. Results Differences in the vocal vibration parameters were observed and correlated with the pathophysiology. Conclusion HSV is the latest diagnostic tool in visual examination of vocal behavior and has considerable potential to refine our knowledge regarding the vocal fold vibration and voice production, as well as regarding the impact of pathologic conditions have on the mechanism of phonation...

How to Preserve Laryngeal Nerve for Preventing Post-Thyroidectomy Voice Change / 대한갑상선학회지

After thyroid surgery, voice change occurs very frequently, in more than 30% of cases. In addition to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) or the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN), vocal fold edema due to excessive tracheal traction or disrupted laryngeal venous drainage, and laryngotracheal fixation following injury to extralaryngeal musculature can cause post-thyroidectomy voice change. Although complete recovery can be expected mostly in 3 months, dysphonic patients should be evaluated pre and postoperatively by laryngoscopy or laryngeal stroboscopy. The present review discusses the evaluation of voice change, the anatomy of RLN and EBSLN and common cause of voice change after thyroid surgery. Furthermore, we represent how to preserve RLN, SLN including intraoperative nerve monitoring.

Change of Voice Quality before and after Treatment of Short-Term Therapy with Proton Pump Inhibitor in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to verify that voice analysis could be an alternate tool for the evaluation of proton pump inhibitor treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Twenty-two patients with LPR symptoms underwent laryngoscopy, stroboscopy and their reflux finding index (RFI) were evaluated. Subjective reflux symptom scores (RSS) and voice handicap index (VHI) were completed at the baseline. All patients underwent voice analysis. Thereafter, patients had short-term proton pump inhibitor therapy for 6 weeks. The RFI, RSS, VHI and voice analysis were repeated during the last week of the treatment. RESULTS: RFI was improved and both RSS and VHI were improved after the treatment. RSS and VHI were significantly correlated. In voice analysis, shimmer significantly improved and harmony to noise ratio (HNR) also improved. CONCLUSION: Voice analysis can be indicators of treatment results of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

The Effects of Botulinium Toxin in Vocal Nodules / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vocal nodules are the most common voice disorder due to vocal misuses. Vocal nodules are primarily treated with voice therapy and are rarely removed through laryngomicrosurgery. Although the rate of recovery for individual patients may vary, 60-70% of them are fully treated. Because vocal nodules have many possible causes, 30-40% of patients remain untreated. Also, vocal nodules recurrence after the surgical treatment is sometimes observed. The author claims that incomplete contact between vocal cords during phonation is a major cause of the vocal nodules. Most vocal nodules do occur from incomplete contact between vocal cords during phonation, and various voice therapies are designed to improve habitual misuses of the vocal cords. However, vocal nodules tend to remain unhealed unless patients change their habitual misuses of the vocal cords. The cricothyroid muscle tension is known to hinder the contact between vocal cords. The author injected a restricted amount of botulinium toxin to the cricothyroid muscle to reduce the muscle tension and observed changes in vocal cords' movement. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In this study, the author injected botulinium toxin to the cricothyroid muscle of 21 patients. For 2-4 weeks, we observed patients' responses to the treatment, by measuring changes in subglottal pressure, mean air flow rate, maximum phonation time, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ration of patients and subjective evaluation of voice changes. In addition, the author conducted stroboscopy to evaluate the usefulness of the treatment. RESULTS: The improvement was in the subjective evaluation of voice changes and stroboscopic findings. CONCLUSION: The observation demonstrated a great improvement in vocal nodules after the injection of botulinium toxin into the cricothyroid muscle.

Laryngite chronique : approche diagnostique et therapeutique

Les laryngites chroniques correspondent a une inflammation de la muqueuse laryngee d'une duree superieure a quinze jours. Leur frequence est difficile a apprecier. Le risque de transformation maligne a implique un interet particulier a cette pathologie avec une prise en charge rigoureuse en detectant les facteurs de risque et assurant une surveillance reguliere a long terme des lesions precancereuses. Leur prise en charge; doit identifier precisement ces lesions a l'aide d'une videoscopie laryngee et/ou d'une videostroboscopie. L'appreciation endoscopique des lesions laryngees; en recourant selon les possibilites a l'autofluorescence; est un imperatif qui permet; outre de classer la pathologie; de proposer dans le meme temps un traitement adapte. a cet effet; l'avenement des techniques lasers a constitue une avancee therapeutique dans la prise en charge de ces lesions. Le but de notre travail est rappeler l'ethiopathogenie; exposer les moyens de diagnostic; de traitement des laryngites chroniques et d'etablir un protocole de surveillance adequat en se referant a la litterature

Avances tecnolóiicos recientes en el diagnóstic y tratamiento de las enfermedaades de la laringe y el tracto aerodigestivo superior / Recent technlogiical advance in diagnosis and treatment of the larynx and uupper aerodigestive trcct / Avanços ecnológiicos recentes no diagnósico e tratamento das doenças daa laringe e do trato aerodigestivo superior

Los continuos desarrollos tecnológicos, en los años recientes, han permitido un mejor entendimiento de la anatomía y fisiología de los pliegues vocales y del tracto digestivo superior. Técnicas de diagnóstico como la laringoscopia de alta velocidad, la videoquimografía, la laringoscopia de acercamiento de alta resolución en la oficina y la impedanciometría esofágica con manometría, son herramientas muy importantes en la práctica clínica moderna. En lo que respecta a tratamiento, el desarrollo de equipos de láser acoplados a sistemas robóticos, fibras para la aplicación de rayos láser de diferentes longitudes de onda a sitios específicos, e instrumentos para ser usados a través de endoscopios flexibles, ampliaron las posibilidades terapéuticas, y, en casos seleccionados, las perspectivas para la ejecución de procedimientos mínimamente invasivos sin necesidad de hospitalización. El proposito de este estudio es realizar una revision y un análisis de los avances tecnológicos dirigidos al diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades del tracto aerodigestivo superior, sus posibles aplicaciones y limitaciones. Es un estudio descriptivo de una revisión de la literatura concerniente al tema. Se presenta una monografía y una revisión de la literatura relevante, disponible en publicaciones indexadas, con respecto a los diferentes métodos actualmente disponibles para el estudio de las enfermedades del tracto aerodigestivo superior, así como de las nuevas alternativas desde el punto de vista de posibilidades terapéuticas. Se hace un análisis de los aspectos técnicos importantes de cada una de las opciones, tanto diagnósticas como terapéuticas, con el fin de tener claridad sobre sus posibles aplicaciones clínicas, ventajas, desventajas y contraindicaciones.

Continuous technological developments in recent years have allowed a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds and the upper digestive tract. Diagnostic techniques such as high speed laryngoscopy, videokymography, in office high resolution close up laryngoscopy and esophageal impedance with manometry are very important tools in modern day clinical practice. As far as treatment is concerned, development of laser equipments coupled to robotic systems, fibers to deliver different laser wavelengths to specific places, and instruments to be used through flexible scopes, broadened therapeutic possibilities and, in selected cases, have made it possible to perform minimally invasive procedures with no need for hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to review and analyze technological advancements for diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract, their feasible applications and limitations. It is a descriptive study of literature review regarding the topic. A monograph and a revision of relevant literature accessible on indexed publications related to different currently available methods for studying the upper aerodigestive tract diseases, as well as new alternatives from the therapeutic point of view are presented. An analysis of important technical aspects of each option, either diagnostic or therapeutic is performed with the aim of elucidating their possible clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages and contraindications.

Os contínuos desenvolvimentos tecnológicos, nos anos recentes, permitiram um melhor entendimento da anatomia fisiologia das pregas vocais e do trato digestivo superior. Técnicas de diagnóstico como a laringoscopia de alta velocidade, a vídeoquimografia, a laringoscopia de aproximação de alta resolução e a impedânciometria esofágica com manometria, são ferramentas muito importantes na prática clínica moderna. No que diz respeito ao tratamento, o desenvolvimento de equipamentos de laser acoplados a sistemas robóticos, fibras para a aplicação de raios laser de diferentes longitudes de onda em locais específicos, e instrumentos para ser usados através de endoscópios flexíveis, ampliaram as possibilidades terapêuticas, e, em casos selecionados, as perspectivas para a execução de procedimentos minimamente invasivos sem a necessidade de hospitalização. O propósito deste estudo é realizar uma revisão e uma análise dos avanços tecnológicos dirigidos ao diagnóstico e tratamento das doenças do trato aerodigestivo superior, suas possíveis aplicações e limitações. É um estudo descritivo de uma revisão da literatura concernente ao tema. Apresenta-se uma monografia e una revisão da literatura relevante, disponível em publicações indexadas, com respeito aos diferentes métodos disponíveis atualmente para o estudo das doenças do trato aerodigestivo superior, bem como das novas alternativas desde o ponto de vista de possibilidades terapêuticas. É feita uma análise dos aspectos técnicos importantes de cada uma das opções, tanto diagnósticas como terapêuticas, com o fim de ter claridade sobre suas possíveis aplicações clínicas, vantagens, desvantagens e contraindicações.

[ effect of speech therapy on laryngeal stroboscopic features of patients with vocal cord nodules]

Vocal cord nodule is one of the most prevalent disorders of laryngeal mucosa which is commonly caused by the overuse of laryngeal vocal function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of speech therapy on laryngeal stroboscopic features of patients with vocal cord nodules. In this clinical trial, five women with vocal cord nodules aged between 14 and 45 years participated in a speech therapy program. Their laryngeal stroboscopic features were assessed in the first and ninth sessions of therapy. After speech therapy, glottal closure in 3 subjects reached to complete closure or near to it. Symmetry of phases in 3 cases reached to symmetrical condition and periodicity of phases in 1 patient reached to periodical state. After speech therapy, right mucosal wave in 4 subjects reached to normal condition. The left mucosal wave in 1 subject reached to normal and in 1 patient approached to normal form. The results of this study revealed that speech therapy has a gradual influence on treatment of vocal cord nodule which can be evaluated by subjective methods such as therapist's assessment of patient's voice or objective methods such as stroboscopy

Perfil dos profissionais da voz com queixas vocais atendidos em um centro terciário de saúde / Profile of voice professionals seen in a tertiary health center

As laringopatias relacionadas ao trabalho acarretam conseqüências para os profissionais da voz. OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil destes profissionais atendidos em um hospital terciário. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo de coorte histórica longitudinal. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de prontuários. Os diagnósticos foram fornecidos através de videoestrobolaringoscopia. RESULTADOS: Foram atendidos 163 pacientes (119 do sexo feminino, 44 do sexo masculino), idade média de 36,5 anos. Em relação aos grupos profissionais, encontramos profissionais da voz falada (vendedores, professores, telemarketing, recepcionistas, atores e profissionais de saúde) e da voz cantada. Os diagnósticos foram: alteração estrutural mínima (33 por cento), nódulos (22 por cento), edema de Reinke (10 por cento) e pólipos (6 por cento). Foi observada correlação com tabagismo (p=0,002), sexo (p=0,004) e idade (p<0,001), com tendência para associação do tabagismo com edema de Reinke e leucoplasia; sexo feminino com AEM, nódulos e edema de Reinke; pacientes acima de 40 anos com edema de Reinke, e dos mais jovens com nódulos, cordite e AEM. O tempo de queixa foi superior a 6 meses em 74 por cento dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: Este perfil inclui profissionais da voz falada e cantada. Houve predomínio das AEMs, seguida por nódulos, edema de Reinke e pólipos.

Work-related laryngopathy may have negative consequences for voice professionals. AIM: To analyze the profile of voice professionals seen in a tertiary level hospital. STUDY DESIGN: a longitudinal historical cohort. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient files. Diagnosis was reached using videostroboscopy. RESULTS: 163 patients (119 females and 44 males) were seen. The mean age was 36.5 years. Professionals included spoken voice users (salesman, teachers, telemarketers, receptionists, health professionals) and singers. The most frequent diagnoses were: minor structural changes (33 percent), nodules (22 percent), ReinkeÆs edema (10 percent), and polyps (6 percent). A correlation was observed between smoking, age and gender; there was an association between smoking and ReinkeÆs edema, leucoplasia and tabagism, females and ReinkeÆs edema, nodules and minor structural changes, and also between patients aged over 40 years and ReinkeÆs edema, and patients under 40 with nodules, laryngitis, and minor structural changes. Symptoms lasted more than 6 months in 74 percent of patients. CONCLUSION: The profile of voice professionals seen in a tertiary hospital included spoken voice patients and singers. In our study minor structural changes predominated, followed by nodules, Reinke edema and polyps.

Nódulos vocais: análise anátomo-funcional / Vocal nodules: functional and anatomical analysis

Objetivo: traçar o perfil epidemiológico/clínico de uma população portadora de nódulos vocais diagnosticados e comparar os tipos de fendas glóticas à fonação. Métodos: foram avaliados os registros de 70 pacientes portadores de nódulos vocais diagnosticados através de exame videolaringoestroboscópico no período de junho de 2003 a maio de 2004. As imagens arquivadas foram analisadas por quatro fonoaudiólogos e dois otorrinolaringologistas, conforme os seguintes parâmetros: simetria laríngea, aspecto da lesão, tipo de fenda, onda mucosa, movimento muco-ondulatório, amplitude de vibração, presença de sinais de refluxo e constrição supraglótica. Resultados: os dadosencontrados apontam maior incidência de nódulos vocais em mulheres adultas que utilizavam a voz profissionalmente. Clinicamente, não houve associação significativa entre pacientes fumantes com queixa de refluxo e pacientes portadores de nódulos. Ao exame videolaringoestroboscópico observamos:87,4% de lesões bilaterais e 12,6% unilaterais. O fechamento supraglótico medial ocorreu em apenas 01 caso, sendo caracterizado como unilateral e não participando da fonação. Em 3 pacientes identificou-se a presença de microweb. Todos os pacientes apresentaram fenda glótica, sendo 90,9% delas classificadas como dupla. Conclusão: a amostra foi composta predominantemente por mulheres,com idade média de 34,64 anos, não fumantes, professoras, trabalhando em três turnos, cuja queixa de rouquidão teve duração média de 5,68 meses, apresentando ao exame laringe simétricacom nódulos bilaterais, de igual tamanho. Houve significância estatística apontando proporção maior de fendas duplas.

Purpose: to determine the epidemiological/clinical profile of patients with vocal nodules, and comparetheir glottic closure during phonation. Methods: seventy vocal nodules patients were evaluated by videolaryngostroboscopy at Instituto de Otorrinolaringologia de Minas Gerais, from June 2003 to May 2004. The video images were analyzed by 4 speech therapists and 2 otorhinolaryngologists, according to the following criteria: laryngeal symmetry, lesion aspect, kind of glottic closure, mucous wave, vocalfold vibration ,vibratory amplitude, gastroesophageal reflux signals and supraglottalconstriction. Results: Data showed that the highest incidence was found with adult professional voice user females. Clinically, it was observed that there was no meaningful relationship among smoking patients or the ones withgastroesophageal reflux and those with vocal nodules. The videolaryngostroboscopy showed: 87.4% bilateral lesions and 12.6% unilateral lesions. We noted that medial supraglottal closure was found injust one case, characterized as an unilateral lesion and with no participation during phonation. Threesubjects presented a Microweb. All patients had incomplete glottal closure and 90.9% of them were classified as double. Conclusion: the sample was composed mainly by non- smoking female teachers, about 34 years old, involved in a three journey workday with a 5.68 moths hoarseness complaintpresenting laryngeal symmetry, and bilateral nodules same size. There was a statistically significant proportion of incomplete glottal closure.

Avaliação laríngea em pacientes reumatológicos / Laryngeal assessment in reumatic disease patients

As doenças reumáticas produzem alterações sistêmicas e podem, por isso, comprometer os vasos sangüíneos, as serosas e as mucosas de todo o trato aerodigestivo. Casos esporádicos de acometimento laríngeo por doenças reumáticas têm sido descritos. Esse estudo tem por objetivo avaliar e descrever as alterações laríngeas encontradas em pacientes reumatológicos. FORMA DE ESTUDO: coorte transversal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com pacientes portadores de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, esclerodermia e doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Os pacientes submeteram-se a exame clínico otorrinolaringológico e à videolaringoestroboscopia. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 27 pacientes sendo que 26 conseguiram realizar a videolaringoestroboscopia. Alterações laríngeas foram observadas em 11 dos 12 pacientes portadores de lúpus, nos 11 pacientes portadores de esclerodermia e nos 3 pacientes portadores de doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Lesões sugestivas de nódulo em bambu foram identificados em 5 pacientes e 92,3 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram sinais laríngeos de síndrome faringolaríngea do refluxo. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo identificamos 5 lesões sugestivas de nódulos em bambu e sinais laríngeos de refluxo em quase todos os pacientes.

Analysis of Nasalance according to Pattern of Phonation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various phonation patterns yield various voice characteristics. Voice therapy using nasal stimulatory sounds seems to facilitate phonation in voice disodered patients. Under the hypothesis that nasalance may be influenced by the pattern of phonation, we studied the relationship between nasalance and voice disorders by observing abnormal supraglottic movements and vocol cord gaps in phonation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: There were 143 patients who complained of voice problems and showed abnormal false vocal cord movements under stroboscopy. In addition to the four previously described types of MTD (muscle tension dysphonia), we described two more types of MTD (V: false vocal cord contracted posteriorly, VI: false vocal cord dilated laterally). We measured the vocal cord gaps in phonation and analyzed nasalance. RESULTS: Among those groups showing the pattern of false vocal cord (MTD 1, 2, 4), the vocal cord gaps in phonation were increased and nasalance was significantly decreased in MTD types, III and IV, and showed a tendency to decrease in MTD types, II and V, compared to the normal group. CONCLUSION: The supraglottis has a tendency to contract as the vocal cord gap in phonation increases, and this movement reduces nasalance.

The Correlation of GRBAS Scales and Laryngeal Stroboscopic Findings for the Assessment of Voice Therapy Outcome in the Patients with Vocal Nodules / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The size of nodule is generally known as a main criterion for the evaluation of voice improvement in the patients with vocal nodules. However, the patients who are receiving voice therapy for their vocal nodules frequently report variable degree of improvement in their voice quality even though the size of nodules remain unchanged during the stroboscopic evaluation. We aimed to define valuable parameters of laryngeal stroboscopy in evaluating the efficacy of voice therapy for vocal nodules. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of twenty adult women with bilateral vocal nodules. They received 4 to 8 sessions of voice therapy and reported variable degree of their voice improvement. Laryngeal stroboscopy (nodule size, glottal closure, vocal fold vibration, laryngeal tension), acoustic analysis (jitter, shimmer), perceptual parameters (GRBAS) were evaluated before and after voice therapy. Laryngeal stroboscopic gradings and GRBAS gradings were matched and analyzed for their correlation. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between R and vocal fold vibration; between B and nodule size and glottal closure; between S and laryngeal tension; between G and glottal closure, vocal fold vibration and laryngeal tension. CONCLUSION: Among laryngeal stroboscopic findings, improved glottal closure, vocal fold vibration and decreased laryngeal tension as well as decreased nodule size are proved to be useful parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of voice therapy in the patients with vocal nodules.

Histology and Stroboscopic Findings after Injection of Artecoll(R) and Restylane(R) into Paralyzed Canine Vocal Fold: in vivo Canine Study / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are to introduce Artecoll and Restaylane, that have been available for facial augmentation, as new materials for injection laryngoplasty, to investigate the mucosal wave of true vocal folds after the injection of these two materials into the true vocal fold, and to assess its biocompatibility and durability. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: After complete paralysisof the right recurrent laryngeal nerve of 6 Beagle dogs, the dogs were divided into the Artecoll injection group and the Restylane injection group, and Artecoll or Restylane was injected into vocalis muscle and vocal ligament. The recurrent laryngeal nerve of the opposite side was stimulated, the posterior commissure was sutured, and the mucosal wave of true vocal folds was examined by stroboscopy in in vivo canine study 1, 3, and 6 months after the injection. And, histopathological change of the injected materials after total laryngectomy was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining and masson trichrome staining. RESULTS: In both the Artecoll injection and the Restylane injection groups, the mucosal wave of true vocal folds was detected by stroboscopic examination until 6 months after the injection, and the difference of the mucosal wave of true vocal folds between these two groups was difficult to detect. Histological studies revealed that the injected materials remained in the vocal ligament and vocalis muscle and theses two materials were resorbed with time, Artecoll showing less resorption. These two materials were biocompatible and, particularly, Restylane showed less foreign body reaction. CONCLUSION: Since both Artecoll and Restylane are biocompatible and durable, they areconsidered as the suitable material for injection larygoplasty, and additional long-term studies are required.

Preliminary Results of Mitomycin-C Application in the Treatment of Laryngeal Stenosis and Granuloma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mitomycin-C is an antibiotic, antineoplastic agent that inhibits DNA and protein synthesis, and fibroblast proliferation. It has been successfully used in adjunction to glaucoma surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy, pterygium surgery, and middle meatal antrostomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative Mitomycin-C application as an adjunct therapy in the endoscopic treatment of laryngeal stenosis and granulation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total 13 subjects, of whom 2 had anterior glottic web, 4 posterior laryngeal stenosis, and 7 laryngeal granuloma were included. All underwent stroboscopy and were treated with endoscopic laryngomicrosurgery with CO2 laser. Then, 1 cc of 0.4 mg/mL Mitomycin-C was directly applied for 4 minutes on the surgical site. The patients' symptoms were assessed, and the size of the airway was graded on a scale of I (< or =50%) to IV (total occlusion) after a mean follow-up period of 5 months. The recurrence of the laryngeal granuloma was checked. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in postoperative symptoms in the group of posterior laryngeal stenosis. Two with tracheotomy underwent decannulation. The postoperative size of airway was markedly increased and restenosis was not noted. There was only one case of recurrence in the granuloma group. CONCLUSION: According to these preliminary results, it is suggested that application of Mitomycin-C can be used as a beneficial adjunct therapy in the endoscopic COc laser excision for laryngeal stenosis and granuloma.