Bilateral Vocal Fold Research Articles

Ätiologie, Diagnostik, Differenzialdiagnostik und Therapie von Stimmlippenparesen

Etiology of vocal fold paralysis is broad: e. g. iatrogenic/traumatic, associated with neoplasms or with systemic diseases. The cause of idiopathic paralysis is unknown. The main symptom of unilateral vocal fold paralysis is hoarseness because of a remaining glottic gap during phonation. Patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis typically have no impairment of the voice but dyspnea. Examination of patients with an idopathic vocal fold paralysis is a CT of the vagal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve from skull base to neck and mediastinum. Serological tests are not obligatory. Differential diagnosis of vocal fold immobility is vocal fold paralysis/neurological causes and arthrogene causes such as arytenoid subluxation, interarytenoid adhesion and vocal fold fixation in laryngeal carcinomas. Voice therapy is a promising approach for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, but not all patients benefit sufficiently. Temporary vocal fold augmentation by injection medialization results in satisfactory voice quality that is comparable with a thyroplasty. Patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility show typically dyspnea requiring immediate therapy such as temporary tracheotomy or reversible laterofixation of the paralyzed vocal chord. If the paralysis persists a definitive enlargement of the glottic airway by eg. arytenoidectomy needs to be performed.

Vocal and ventricular fold lateralization using crossing sutures with the thyroplasty window technique for bilateral vocal fold immobility: long-term results

Conclusions: Vocal and ventricular fold lateralization using crossing sutures with the thyroplasty window technique is an effective and durable procedure for the management of patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility. Objectives: To review the long-term results of bilateral vocal fold immobility in 26 patients treated with vocal and ventricular fold lateralization using crossing sutures with the thyroplasty window technique over a 6-year period. Methods: This retrospective study examined patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The main outcome measures used were the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale and the assessment of voice quality pre- and postoperatively using the Likert method. Results: The mean follow-up period was 23.77 ± 12.01 months. All patients reported marked symptomatic improvement in dyspnoea (p = 0.0001). The voice quality worsened as expected; however, this difference did not reach a significant level (p = 0.642). Transient microaspiration was noted in seven of the patients and resolved in 1 or 2 days. The procedure was performed for the contralateral vocal fold in one case, due to the loss of suture tension. No patient showed aspiration postoperatively or during follow-up. All patients were regularly followed up for the beginning of movement of the lateralized or contralateral vocal folds in our outpatient clinic.

The Effect of Unilateral Posterior Transverse Cordotomy on Quality of Life of Patients with Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

The Effect of Unilateral Posterior Transverse Cordotomy on Quality of Life of Patients with Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Reinnervation of Bilateral Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscles Using the Left Phrenic Nerve in Patients with Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of reinnervation of the bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscles using the left phrenic nerve in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis.MethodsForty-four patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent reinnervation of the bilateral PCA muscles using the left phrenic nerve were enrolled in this study. Videostroboscopy, perceptual evaluation, acoustic analysis, maximum phonation time, pulmonary function testing, and laryngeal electromyography were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were followed-up for at least 1 year after surgery.ResultsVideostroboscopy showed that within 1 year after reinnervation, abductive movement could be observed in the left vocal folds of 87% of patients and the right vocal folds of 72% of patients. Abductive excursion on the left side was significantly larger than that on the right side (P < 0.05); most of the vocal function parameters were improved postoperatively compared with the preoperative parameters, albeit without a significant difference (P > 0.05). No patients developed immediate dyspnea after surgery, and the pulmonary function parameters recovered to normal reference value levels within 1 year. Postoperative laryngeal electromyography confirmed successful reinnervation of the bilateral PCA muscles. Eighty-seven percent of patients in this series were decannulated and did not show obvious dyspnea after physical activity. Those who were decannulated after subsequent arytenoidectomy were not included in calculating the success rate of decannulation.ConclusionsReinnervation of the bilateral PCA muscles using the left phrenic nerve can restore inspiratory vocal fold abduction to a physiologically satisfactory extent while preserving phonatory function at the preoperative level without evident morbidity.

Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma of the Arytenoid Cartilage Presenting as Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility: A Case Report and Literature Review

To describe an atypical case of laryngeal chondrosarcoma of arytenoid cartilage presenting as bilateral vocal fold immobility and to avoid potential missed diagnosis. Our case study included a detail history, physical and radiological examination, laryngeal electromyography (LEMG), and surgical treatment and pathology analysis. We compared it with the previously discussed cases of chondrosarcoma of arytenoid cartilage in the literature. Chondrosarcomas of the arytenoid cartilage is rare, and to date only approximately 10 cases have been reported. We reported a case of a 51-year-old man with 1 month of persistent dyspnea presenting with bilateral vocal fold immobility without neoplasms in larynx. The LEMG showed no obvious abnormality. The cervical-enhanced computed tomography (CT) found no significant signs of a mass except for localized high-density areas in arytenoid cartilage. Right arytenoidectomy and biopsy were performed under general anesthesia with CO2 laser with the pathological diagnosis of chondroma. A total laryngectomy was performed 2 years later, and low-grade chondrosarcoma was the final diagnosis. Laryngeal chondrosarcomas of the arytenoid cartilage are rare. It is easily neglected, especially in those cases presenting with idiopathic vocal fold immobility without any obvious signs of neoplasms. The LEMG and laryngeal CT are necessary. Sometimes, a biopsy of the arytenoid cartilage is essential.

3D Measurement of Paralyzed Larynx in Japanese Using Cone Beam CT

Objectives: Precise measurement of human organs with an error by less than one millimeter was realized by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging technology. The purpose of this study was to measure the shape/size of paralyzed larynges in Japanese patients with multiple parameters using CBCT. Methods: Eighty-nine Japanese patients who referred to our institution with unilateral vocal fold paralysis from April 2007 to November 2011 were incorporated in this case series study. There were 54 males and 35 females, and the mean age was 59.9 years. Laryngeal CBCT images were taken in 2 conditions: 1) patients sitting relaxed (R image), and 2) patients applying pressure at their diaphragm (P image). Lengths of bilateral vocal folds, bilateral horizontal glottal angles, and sizes of gaps from a median plane of each larynx were measured in R images. Vertical gaps of bilateral vocal folds were measured in P images. Results: Mean lengths of non-diseased vocal folds (males, 18.5 mm; females, 12.9 mm) were significantly longer compared with diseased side (males, 17.7 mm; females, 12.4 mm) in both males ( P =0.011) and females ( P = 0.001). Glottal angles were significantly wider in no diseased side (16.1°) compared with diseased side (9.4°, P = 0.0011). Vertical gaps were normalized with the lengths of non-diseased vocal folds with mean value of 0.057. Conclusions: Our study showed the first correct measurement of paralyzed larynx in live Japanese patients. These data will contribute to the improvement of diagnosis and surgical procedures for the patients with laryngeal paralysis in the future.

Comparison of Voice and Swallowing Parameters After Endoscopic Total and Partial Arytenoidectomy for Bilateral Abductor Vocal Fold Paralysis

Total arytenoidectomy is claimed to increase risk of aspiration and cause more voice loss than other operations performed for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). However, objective evidence for such a conclusion is lacking. There is no study comparing swallowing and voice after total and partial arytenoidectomy. To compare voice and swallowing parameters after endoscopic total and partial arytenoidectomy for BVFP. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, case-control study conducted at a tertiary referral university, the study population comprised 20 patients with BVFP. Endoscopic total and partial arytenoidectomy. Decannulation, duration of operation, Voice Handicap Index, acoustic and aerodynamic analysis, postoperative breathing ability, subjective comparison of preoperative and postoperative voice, speech intensity, and functional outcome swallowing scale. Median duration of partial and total arytenoidectomies were 59 and 49 minutes, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P = .04). Comparisons of preoperative and postoperative Voice Handicap Index, acoustic and aerodynamic measures, postoperative breathing ability, subjective comparison of preoperative and postoperative voice, speech intensity, and functional outcome swallowing scale were not statistically significantly different between both groups. Endoscopic total and partial arytenoidectomy are very successful static surgical options for BVFP. Partial takes longer than total arytenoidectomy. They both provide a comfortable airway, acceptable voice, and acceptable deglutition. It may be a sound practice to perform partial arytenoidectomy initially for primary BVFP cases and reserve total arytenoidectomy for revision cases. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01824849.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Fold Dysfunction

We studied the findings of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in infants with idiopathic congenital bilateral vocal fold dysfunction (CBVFD). We performed a retrospective investigation of a case series. We identified 26 children (14 male, 12 female) over 11 years. Three children were excluded. Thirteen patients required airway interventions, including continuous positive airway pressure (4 patients), endotracheal intubation (1), and tracheostomy (8). The findings on brain MRI were abnormal in 8 patients (35%). Tracheostomy was required in 3 patients (38%) with abnormal MRI findings, as compared with 5 of 15 patients (33%) with normal MRI findings. The MRI abnormalities involved evidence of white matter injury (2), abnormal white matter signal (1), subdural blood (3), cerebral swelling (1), and perisylvian polymicrogyria (1). The cranial ultrasound findings were abnormal in 4 of 11 patients. The MRI findings were abnormal in 2 of 7 children in whom the cranial ultrasound findings were normal, and in 2 of the 4 patients in whom the cranial ultrasound findings were abnormal. The MRI abnormalities were nonspecific; however, they may indicate unrecognized perinatal intracranial injury as being related to CBVFD. In addition, MRI may reveal an underlying structural brain anomaly. Cranial ultrasound has poor sensitivity and specificity. Hence, MRI should be considered as part of the routine assessment of neonates with CBVFD.

Comparison of Ventilation and Voice Outcomes between Unilateral Laryngeal Pacing and Unilateral Cordotomy for the Treatment of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Background/Aims: Rehabilitation of the bilaterally paralyzed human larynx remains a complex clinical problem. Conventional treatment generally involves surgical enlargement of the compromised airway, but often with resultant dysphonia and risk of aspiration. In this retrospective study, we compared one such treatment, posterior cordotomy, with unilateral laryngeal pacing: reanimation of vocal fold opening by functional electrical stimulation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. Methods: Postoperative peak inspiratory flow (PIF) values and overall voice grade ratings were compared between the two surgical groups, and pre- and postoperative PIF were compared within the pacing group. Results: There were 5 patients in the unilateral pacing group and 12 patients in the unilateral cordotomy group. Within the pacing group, postoperative PIF values were significantly improved from preoperative PIF values (p = 0.04) without a significant effect on voice (grade; p = 0.62). Within the pacing group, the mean postoperative PIF value was significantly higher than that in the cordotomy group (p = 0.05). Also, the mean postoperative overall voice grade values in the pacing group were significantly lower (better) than those of the cordotomy group (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Unilateral pacing appears to be an effective treatment superior to posterior cordotomy with respect to postoperative ventilation and voice outcome measures.

Multi-stage surgery for airway patency after metallic stent removal in benign laryngotracheal airway disease in two adolescents

Laryngotracheal stents may damage the highly complex laryngeal structures, impair voice and swallowing functions and cause tissue ingrowths, thereby necessitating airway patency interventions. In benign airway disease, the number of adolescents with laryngotracheal stents is therefore limited. We present two cases of laryngeal metallic stent placement following benign airway disease. Two adolescents presented with severe dyspnea and self-expandable metallic stent placement after benign laryngotracheal stenoses. Granulation tissue ingrowths required additional surgical interventions every 6–8 weeks to recanalize the stent lumen. We performed multi-stage surgery including removal of the embedded stent, segmental resection of the stenotic area, end-to-end-anastomosis and laryngotracheal reconstruction respectively, to achieve patent airway without tracheal cannulation. Montgomery T-tubes were temporarily inserted to bridge the complex reconstructions. In both adolescents, we achieved successful removal of the embedded stent and patent airway. Bilateral vocal fold paralysis required additional surgery to improve the final airway patency and vocal rehabilitation. Stent removal, segmental resection and laryngotracheal reconstruction provide the achievement of patent airway and allow decannulation. Temporary Montgomery T-tubes bridge complex laryngotracheal reconstructions. In benign laryngeal airway disease, stent placement should be avoided, especially in adolescents. Transfer to a specialist center should be considered prior to metallic stent implantation. In general, self-expanding tracheobronchial stents can be placed in selected patients where surgical interventions are limited.

Endoscopic laser medial arytenoidectomy for treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Endoscopic laser medial arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis has the advantage of preserving the structure and the position of the vocal fold, contrary to a transverse cordotomy or total arytenoidectomy. Our objective was to evaluate the functional results of this procedure. This is a prospective non-randomized study. Twenty patients were included: five patients had a tracheotomy preoperatively and 15 patients had dyspnea on exertion. Acoustic voice measurements, spirometric parameters and the voice handicap index 120 (VHI), were evaluated 1 week before surgery and 3 months after. All the five patients with tracheotomy were successfully decannulated. Acoustic records and VHI were available for eight patients. Jitter and shimmer were worse (p = 0.0078), whereas the VHI was not significantly different after surgery. Spirometric records, available for six patients, were not modified. Endoscopic laser medial arytenoidectomy allowed decannulation and subjective improvement of quality of life in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Bilateral Vocal Fold Chondromas

Laryngeal chondromas are uncommon, benign, slow-growing neoplasms with few reports in the literature. Vocal fold chondromas are even more rare, and all reported cases are unilateral. Here, we present the first case of bilateral vocal fold chondromas. Detailed evaluation, careful resection with phonomicrosurgery technique, and perioperative voice therapy are considered essential for the management.

Work of breathing as a tool to diagnose severe fixed upper airway obstruction

A 4-year-old girl with bilateral vocal fold palsy was successfully decannulated from tracheotomy after seven laryngeal procedures. But an important stridor and dyspnea recurred 13 months after decannulation. Nocturnal gas exchange was normal but her daytime work of breathing was increased by fourfold, without any beneficial effect of nasal noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP), reflecting a severe fixed airway obstruction. Endoscopic examination confirmed the work of breathing findings showing glottic and supraglottic stenosis. This upper airway obstruction was successfully treated with a recannulation. In conclusion, the major message of this case report is that measurement of the work of breathing was able to document the "fixed" nature of the airway obstruction, by showing no improvement even with highest tolerated levels of nasal CPAP. As such, the work of breathing may be proposed as a screening tool to quantify and assess the reversibility of severe upper airway obstruction in children.

Endoscopic Posterior Cricoid Split and Costal Cartilage Graft Placement in Children

To review a multi-institutional experience using endoscopic posterior cricoid split and costal cartilage graft (EPCSCG) placement in the management of pediatric bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI), posterior glottic stenosis (PGS), and subglottic stenosis (SGS). Case series with chart review. Tertiary medical centers. Review of all patients treated between 2004 and 2012 with EPCSCG placement in 3 academic and multispecialty group settings. The main outcomes measured include indications, complications, and outcome (need for additional procedures, decannulation rate). A total of 28 patients underwent EPCSCG. Age range at time of surgery was 1 month to 15 years (mean, 56 months). Overall, 25 of 28 were decannulated or never required tracheostomy, and 24 of 28 had adequate symptom control with mean follow-up of 25 months. Twenty-two patients had resolution of their symptoms without additional procedures. Sixteen patients had SGS in isolation or in combination with cricoarytenoid fixation, glottic stenosis, or vocal fold immobility. Decannulation and/or symptom control was achieved in 14 of 16. Three patients had isolated PGS or cricoarytenoid fixation with all achieving decannulation. Nine patients had isolated BVFI with 7 being able to achieve resolution of their airway symptoms, 5 without additional procedures. This descriptive series shows a consistent outcome in more than double the number of cases previously reported in the previously published series. We believe that EPCSCG is an important option to have in the management of pediatric glottis/subglottic stenosis and bilateral vocal fold immobility.

Ultrasound imaging of the larynx and vocal folds

This article reviews recent clinical applications of ultrasound imaging in laryngeal examinations and new developments in imaging techniques for laryngeal tissue characterization. The B-mode image has become a popular tool for identifying masses, lesions, and nodules at the vocal folds, and combining the B-scan with Doppler imaging makes it possible to also evaluate their functionality. The B-mode image has been used to diagnose lesions and paralysis in vocal folds in children, and to evaluate nerve function by visualizing the structure of the larynx and the movement of the bilateral vocal folds. Ultrasound Nakagami imaging based on the statistics of backscattered signals is a new parametric imaging method that complements the conventional B-scan for tissue characterization. Nakagami imaging is a functional ultrasound imaging tool for visualizing the relative concentrations of collagen and elastic fibers, which are key factors influencing the biomechanical properties of the vocal folds. Future clinical applications could combine conventional B-mode and Nakagami images to allow physicians to simultaneously evaluate the morphology and scatterer properties of laryngeal tissues.

Idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis causing midmembranous vocal fold granuloma

Idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis (IUL) is characterized by bilateral midmembranous vocal fold ulceration, which follows upper respiratory infection with cough. In contrast, granuloma of the membranous vocal fold can occur rarely following microlaryngoscopy, presumably secondary to surgical violation of deep tissue planes. We report a novel case of noniatrogenic membranous vocal fold granulation developing in a patient with IUL. Although the presence of granulation implied injury to the entire microstructure of the vibratory portion of the vocal fold, the lesion resolved with conservative management without adverse sequelae.

Clinically silent subdural hemorrhage causes bilateral vocal fold paralysis in newborn infant

Bilateral congenital vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) may result from multiple etiologies or remain idiopathic when no real cause can be identified. If obstructive dyspnea is significant and requires urgent stabilization of the airway, then intubation is performed first and an MRI of the brain is conducted to rule out an Arnold–Chiari malformation that can benefit from a shunt procedure and thus alleviate the need for a tracheostomy. Clinically silent subdural hemorrhage without any birth trauma represents another cause of neonatal BVFP that resolves spontaneously within a month. It is of clinical relevance to recognize this potential cause of BVFP as its short duration may alleviate the need for a tracheostomy. In this article, we present such a case and review the literature to draw the otolaryngologist's attention to this possible etiology.

Endoscopic total arytenoidectomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis: A new flap technique and personal experience with 50 cases

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis is a very serious complication of thyroid surgery, with resulting airway obstruction, aspiration, swallowing disturbance, and voice change. When treated with endoscopic total arytenoidectomy, airway obstruction may be relieved; however, there are concerns that voice may be seriously and irreversibly damaged and aspiration may become a permanent problem. Prospective, cohort study. Fifty patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent endoscopic total arytenoidectomy, medially based mucosal advancement flap, and vocal fold lateralization with endoscopic microsuture. Pre- and postoperative evaluations included Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30), aerodynamic and acoustic analysis, subjective comparison of pre- and postoperative voice by phoniatrician, speech intensity measurement, breathing ability evaluation, and functional outcome swallowing scale. All VHI-30 results, all aerodynamic analysis results, and all acoustic results (except F0) worsened significantly after surgery (P < .05). Subjective comparison of pre- and postoperative voice by phoniatrician revealed somewhat worse voice (94%). Mean speech intensity decreased from 65 dB to 60 dB postoperatively (P < .05). Postoperative breathing ability was significantly better (90%). The pre- and postoperative functional outcome swallowing scales were not significantly different (P > .05). Endoscopic total arytenoidectomy is still a very successful static surgical option for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. It is performed without a tracheotomy, but may be required in some patients postoperatively. Laser is not a requirement for it, and it can easily be done with cold instruments. It attains comfortable airway with acceptable voice. Postoperatively, it does not increase aspiration significantly. It has good long-term results.

Endoscopic Posterior Cricoid Expansion in Children

Objective: To review our experience with endoscopic posterior cricoid split and costal cartilage graft placement in the management of pediatric bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI), posterior glottic stenosis (PGS), and subglottic stenosis (SGS). Method: Multi-institutional retrospective case series of all patients treated with endoscopic posterior cricoid split and costal cartilage graft placement (EPCSCG) by any of the authors. Outcomes measured include: indications, complications, outcome. Results: Twenty-six patients underwent EPCSCG. Age range at time of surgery was 1 month to 15 years. Overall, there was an excellent success rate with 25/26 either never requiring tracheostomy or achieving decannulation and 24/26 having adequate symptom control. The mean follow-up was 23.15 months. Sixteen patients had resolution of their symptoms. Fourteen patients had SGS in isolation or in combination with cricoarytenoid fixation, glottic stenosis or vocal fold immobility. Thirteen achieved decannulation and/or had resolution of preoperative symptoms. Three patients had isolated PGS or cricoarytenoid fixation with 2 achieving decannulation without additional procedures and the third decannulated after revision endoscopic division of a congenital anterior glottic web. Nine patients had isolated BVFI. Two of the 9 had failed prior laryngeal surgeries and 4 did not have tracheostomies at the time of their EPCSCG. Of these 9 patients, 7 had resolution of their airway symptoms without additional procedures. Conclusion: Based on this experience, EPCSCG is worth consideration for the management of select pediatric patients with BVFI, PGS, and SGS.

Cordotomy by Coblation in Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility

Objective: 1) Understand the presentation, etiology, and management of bilateral vocal fold immobility. 2) Understand the utility, technique, and advantage of endoscopic coblation vocal cordotomy for patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility. 3) Compare the use of the laryngeal coblator with the laser. Method: Case series using endoscopic coblation to perform vocal cordotomy in patients with bilateral vocal fold immobility is presented. Seven patients underwent suspension microlaryngoscopy with either initial or revision vocal cordotomy with or without partial arytenoidectomy. Routine follow-up was performed and wound healing was documented via distal chip videolaryngoscopy. Results: Seven patients underwent suspension microlaryngoscopy with vocal cordotomy as part of airway management for bilateral vocal fold immobility. The laryngeal coblator was used to perform a transverse cordotomy. The procedure was completed in approximately 5 minutes. No laser protection is required reducing operative set-up and procedure time versus the laser. Two patients had a prior tracheotomy. No patients required a tracheotomy with this procedure. Patients were seen between 1 day and 1 month postoperatively. Patients had minimal granulation tissue at the cordotomy site and appeared to have quicker healing. The glottic airway and stridor were improved in all patients. Conclusion: Initial outcomes of endoscopic coblation vocal cordotomy reveal this technique to be safe and efficient. Coblation increased the glottic airway with minimal granulation tissue and rapid healing. This represents the first described use of coblation for bilateral vocal fold immobility. Long-term data will be forthcoming.