Visualization and Analysis of Vocal Fold Dynamics in Various Voice Disorders

Abstract

Objectives/HypothesisThis study aims to compare the glottal dynamics of vocal fold leukoplakia, laryngitis, and papilloma using various visualization techniques, including phonovibrograms (PVG) and glottovibrograms (GVG). It hypothesizes that these techniques can provide understanding of the vibratory dynamics of these voice disorders, which can aid in their objective diagnosis and deriving visual features for computer-assisted classifications. Study DesignThis work employs a comparative analyses of vocal fold disorders using visualization techniques. The study examines phonovibrograms (PVG), derivative of PVG (PVG-1), digital kymograms (DKG) and glottovibrograms (GVG) to analyze the glottal dynamics of vocal fold leukoplakia, laryngitis, and papilloma. MethodsThe study utilizes high-speed video (HSV) endoscopy to capture vocal fold behavior in different pathological conditions. PVG, GVG and DKG techniques are applied to visualize and analyze the vibratory patterns of the vocal folds. PVG offers a comprehensive portrayal of vocal fold motion, while GVG presents the distance between vocal fold contours. The study also examines PVG-1 as a derivative of PVG. ResultsDistinct modifications in vocal fold vibrations across various stages (open, closed, closing, and opening) are documented using PVG, PVG-1, GVG, DKG, and PVG trajectory. Healthy vocal folds exhibit consistent periodic patterns, while disorders like leukoplakia, laryngitis, and papilloma manifest unique features due to structural and functional variations. The methods employed identify both structural irregularities and functional deviations in vocal fold vibrations. ConclusionsComparative analyses using PVG and other visualization techniques aids in understanding the glottal dynamics of voice disorders. While laryngoscopy and stroboscopy are valuable for real-time assessment, offline analysis techniques like PVG and GVG are useful for tracking glottal dynamics during phonation and assessing treatment effectiveness over time. Studies like this will contribute to standardizing the PVG based diagnostic criteria for its clinical utility, and development of classification tools for improved diagnosis and management of vocal fold pathologies.