Abstract
To analyze the prognostic relevance of mucosal waves (MWs) for recovery of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVP). The charts and stroboscopic examinations of 100 consecutive patients with a complete UVP were reviewed retrospectively. All had a minimal (estimated <3 mm) mucosal gap on stroboscopy. A positive or negative MW on the paralyzed vocal fold was associated with complete recovery to full adduction and abduction. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. Causes of the paralysis were iatrogenic/traumatic (n = 82), malignancy associated (n = 10), and idiopathic (n = 8). In patients with positive MW at diagnosis (n = 80), the chance of recovery of unilateral vocal fold paralysis was 91.25%, whereas the chance of recovery with a negative mucosal wave (n = 20) was only 10%. Positive MWs in stroboscopy are a predictor for recovery of (iatrogenic/traumatic) unilateral vocal fold paralysis and should be used in routine diagnostic assessment.
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