Electroglottographic patterns in physiologic and pathologic types of sulcus vocalis

Abstract

Introduction: Sulcus vocalis is a condition of true vocal folds presenting as a linear furrow on the mucosal lining, lengthening toward the entire vibratory surface. Differential diagnosis between physiologic and pathologic sulcus vocalis has traditionally been based upon videostroboscopy that does not conclusively differentiate between the two. Hence, the present study was intended to utilize the electroglottograph (EGG), a routinely utilized voice evaluation tool to track morphological vibratory patterns in these conditions aiding in differential diagnosis. Method: A total of 40 individuals diagnosed as physiologic (17) and pathologic sulcus (23) based on stroboscopic examinations and history details were recruited as the participants for the study and were made to undergo the EGG procedure. Results: The majority of the participants with physiologic sulcus, obtained normal wave morphology barring four participants who demonstrated deviant patterns. In cases of pathologic sulcus, varied wave patterns obtained were prolonged open phase, pit such as undulation in closed phase, abrupt closing phase, and reduced amplitude waveform. Conclusions: The current study enhances the utility of EGG in cases of sulcus and its types (physiologic and pathologic sulcus) by revealing distinct waveform patterns in each and thereby aiding differential diagnosis too. These results from EGG are much relevant to voice clinicians especially in conditions where other evaluation tools are restricted.