Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis Research Articles

DOZ047.98: The role of laryngeal electromyography in differential diagnosis of vocal cord immobility: a case report

Abstract Object The term ‘vocal cord immobility’ (VCI) encompasses both vocal cord paralysis and crico-arytenoid joint ankylosis (CAJA). Bilateral VCI represents an emergency condition characterized by stridor and respiratory distress sometimes requiring tracheostomy to ensure an adequate and safe airway. The aim of this study is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic management of a rare case of congenital bilateral CAJA in a patient without pregnancy complications, perinatal traumas, or other comorbidities. Materials and Methods The patient was born full term by C-section after a healthy pregnancy (BW 3270 g, APGAR 9 at 5'). After birth she presented severe stridor with respiratory distress. She was admitted to our hospital when she was 3 months old. The diagnostic assessment was performed with airway endoscopy, pulmonary function tests (PFT), sleep study, echocardiogram, neurological evaluation, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) with endoscopic placement of Hookwire electrodes was carried out for the differential diagnosis between paralysis and ankylosis and the subsequent choice of the treatment. PFT and sleep study were repeated after each endoscopic procedure. Results The first airway endoscopy showed bilateral VCI in paramedian position and palpatory evidence of bilateral crico-arytenoid joint fixation. PFT highlighted inspiratory obstruction at the flow/volume and flow/time curves and tidal volume reduction. Sleep study was indicative of mild–moderate obstructive apnea. Echocardiogram, neurological evaluation, brain MRI, and chest CT scan did not detect anomalies. LEMG showed continuous low-amplitude basal activity in all analyzed muscles, in the absence of spontaneous neurotonic activations. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) denoted normal left response and minimum right delay. Two glottic dilations were performed with 7 and 8 mm balloons determining the decrease of stridor and good respiratory balance confirmed by PFT. Endoscopy showed a slight recovery of laryngeal motility. Conclusion The management of this rare clinical case points out the crucial role of a careful and complete endoscopic examination including the palpation of the crico-arytenoid joints. Moreover LEMG represents an important instrument for the correct differential diagnosis in VCI. In the future the use of LEMG could be mandatory in pediatric patients in order to avoid tracheotomy in favor of more conservative procedures.

A Case of Posterior Glottic Adhesion with Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis

A Case of Posterior Glottic Adhesion with Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis

Bilateral Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis with a Perplexing Etiology

Bilateral Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis with a Perplexing Etiology

Augmentation surgery on the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold in a patient with cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis

Surgical management of cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) ankylosis is challenging and has the risk of worsening voice quality. In the present case, augmentation surgery was performed on the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold in a patient with CAJ ankylosis. A 24-year-old man sustained blunt trauma to the anterior neck three years prior to developing severe breathiness. Posterior glottal insufficiency resulting from lateral fixation of the right vocal fold was observed during phonation under laryngoscopy. In addition, electromyography and CT scan revealed severe ankylosis of the right CAJ. Type I thyroplasty performed on the right vocal fold did not improve postoperative vocal function. Therefore, augmentation surgery on the cartilaginous portion of the right vocal fold was performed via endolaryngeal microsurgery under general anesthesia with jet ventilation. A piece of temporalis fascia was autotransplanted into the submucosal space created at the posterior cartilaginous portion of the right vocal fold. This resulted in the narrowing of the posterior glottal gap during phonation, leading to improvement in hoarseness. Microsurgical management with autologous fascia augmentation of the cartilaginous portion of the vocal fold can be effective in patients with lateral vocal fold fixation due to CAJ ankylosis.

Cricoarytenoid Joint Ankylosis: Classification and Transoral Laser Microsurgical Treatment

This study aimed to describe a graduated approach for effective transoral mobilization of cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis (CJA) in the context of the Bogdasarian system of classifying posterior glottic web-based stenosis (PGWS). This is a retrospective cohort study through data from medical records and operative notes. A consecutive series of 23 patients who underwent reconstructive transoral laser microsurgery for PGWS with a significant degree of CJA (Bogdasarian grade III-IV) was included in the study. Techniques necessary to remobilize their cricoarytenoid joints were reviewed in the context of the extent of scar tissue found. Arytenoids with CJA were successfully mobilized by resection of the fused portion of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages achieving respiratory improvements as well as decannulation of tracheostomy-dependent patients. The majority (83%) of patient's voices improved. All patients tolerated a full diet after the procedures. Cases with Bogdasarian grade III PGWS with minor unilateral fixation should be classified as IIIa. If the fixation is severe, the case should be classified as a grade IIIb. Grade IVa would indicate that both sides were mildly to moderately ankylosed, and grade IVb involves ankylosis of both joints with subtotal or complete fusion of at least one; it presents the greatest surgical challenge. We provided effective transoral techniques for the re-mobilization of cricoarytenoid joint, along with a classification of CJA that aims to standardize the severity of disease in the context of the existing and widely accepted Bogdasarian scale.

À propos d’un cas de SAPHO de localisation laryngée

IntroductionSynovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) is a syndrome that combines dermatological, articular and osseous inflammatory manifestations. Bilateral laryngeal immobility relative to cricoarytenoid joint origin is very uncommon. This article presents a case of bilateral cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis in a SAPHO syndrome context. Case reportA 53-year-old patient presenting with a two year history of intermittent bouts of dyspnea. A SAPHO syndrome was discussed on repeated thoracic CT-scan. The link between dyspnea and SAPHO syndrome had not been made immediately given the absence of any known anteriority. However, having ruled out other etiologies and after having had to perform a tracheotomy due a worsening of the respiratory condition, this diagnosis was considered. Treatment by corticosteroids and infliximab permitted a clinical improvement of the patient. ConclusionThis clinical case report should increase awareness of possible cricoarytenoid joint involvement in SAPHO.

Diagnostic and prognostic contribution of laryngeal electromyography in unilateral vocal-fold immobility in adults

ObjectivesTo study the diagnostic and prognostic contribution of laryngeal electromyography in unilateral vocal-fold immobility in adults. Material and methodsA retrospective study included patients with unilateral vocal-fold immobility undergoing laryngeal electromyography between 2007 and 2015. Neurogenic, normal or myogenic findings were compared to the clinical aspect. Prognosis for recovery was assessed from motor unit potentials on laryngeal electromyography, and compared to subsequent progress on laryngoscopy. ResultsSixty-three patients (mean age, 59 years) were initially included; 2 were subsequently excluded from analysis. Mean time from onset of immobility to laryngeal electromyography was 7 months. 85% of the 61 patients showed neurogenic findings, indicating neural lesion; 13% showed normal electromyography, indicating cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis; and 1 patient showed a myogenic pattern. Neurogenic cases were usually secondary to cervical surgery. Thirty-eight patients were followed up. In total, 75% of patients showing reinnervation potentials recovered. The positive predictive value of laryngeal electromyography was 69.2%. ConclusionLaryngeal electromyography is effective in specifying the origin of unilateral vocal-fold immobility in adults. It also has a prognostic role, lack of reinnervation potentials being a possible indication for early medialization surgery.

Etiological profile of unilateral vocal cord paralysis: A single institutional experience over 10 years

Objective: Unilateral vocal cord palsy is a major cause of dysphonia. With umpteen number of causes being attributed to it and changing trends in etiology from place-to-place and over time, it is of utmost importance to arrive at a correct diagnosis to plan further management and to determine the prognosis. The aim was to evaluate the etiological profile of unilateral vocal cord palsy in our institute that is a tertiary referral center over the past 10 years. Materials and Methods: Case records of all patients diagnosed with unilateral vocal cord palsy who presented to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The exclusion criteria included patients with laryngeal/hypopharyngeal malignancies, intubation trauma, congenital vocal cord palsy and cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. The age, gender, laterality and etiology were the factors taken into consideration. Results: A total of 277 cases spanning over the age range of 2 months to 98 years met our inclusion criteria, out of which 179 were males, and 98 were females with a male to female ratio being 1.82:1. In terms of laterality, 182 patients had left sided, and 95 had right sided vocal cord palsy. Majority of the cases were found to be in the fourth and fifth decades. The most common etiology was idiopathic 136 (49.1%). The incidence of various other etiologies were surgical trauma 60 (21.6%), nonsurgical trauma 10 (3.7%), nonlaryngeal malignancy 36 (12.9%), central/neurological 17 (6.1%), postradiation 1 (0.3%), and other benign lesions 17 (6.1%). Among the surgical causes, the incidence of nonthyroidectomy surgeries (58.3%) was more than that of thyroidectomy (41.6%). Thyroidectomy was the single most common surgical cause for unilateral vocal cord palsy, followed by other nonthyroid neck surgeries (20%) and anterior cervical decompression (18.3%). Conclusion: The most common cause for unilateral vocal cord palsy is idiopathic. Nevertheless it is still an important sign of various underlying diseases. A thorough evaluation which must necessarily include a computerized tomographic scan from base of the skull to upper mediastinum is essential before labeling a case as idiopathic; hence, also the need for extended follow-up of the cases to avoid misdiagnosis of any underlying subclinical malignancy.

Partial cricotracheal resection with tracheal intussusception and cricoarytenoid joint mobilization: Early experience in a new technical variant

Partial cricotracheal resection with tracheal intussusception and cricoarytenoid joint mobilization: Early experience in a new technical variant

Unilateral Vocal Cord Palsy: An Etiopathological Study

ABSTRACT Objective The incidence of various causes of unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) has been found to change over time and place. To arrive at the correct diagnosis is important in determining the prognosis as well as the time and mode of intervention. This study intends to evaluate the current etiological profile of unilateral vocal cord palsy in our center and compare it with the previous studies. Methods A retrospective study of case records of all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of UVCP presented to Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India in the period between September 2002 and May 2009 was conducted. The exclusion criteria were all laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies, intubation injuries and cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. Factors taken for analysis were age, gender, side of palsy and etiology. Results A total of 121 cases including 88 males and 33 females in the age range of 2 to 86 years were studied. 61.1% patients had left-sided palsy and 38.8% had right-sided palsy. The incidence of various etiologies were idiopathic (42.1%), surgical trauma (22.3%), nonsurgical trauma (6.61%), nonlaryngeal malignancy (6.61%), central (12.4%) and other benign lesions (9.09%). The incidence of all nonthyroidectomy surgeries together (59.3%) was more than that of thyroidectomy (40.7%). The most common individual surgical procedure was still thyroidectomy (11 cases, 40.7%) followed by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (7 cases, 25.9%). Conclusion Idiopathic vocal cord palsy constituted the major subgroup. Thyroidectomy continues to be the single most common surgical procedure responsible for vocal cord palsy. Cardiac surgeries, trauma and cerebrovascular accidents are also increasingly causing vocal cord palsy, which is suggestive of the changing trend in life style and life expectancy. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve is not at higher risk than the left in thyroid surgery. Benign thyroid swellings also contribute significantly to UVCP.

Direct pull of lateral cricoarytenoid muscle for unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Conclusion. Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle-pull surgery (LCA pull) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Objective. To evaluate the results of an improved method of LCA pull for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Material and methods. Thirteen patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis underwent LCA pull between April 2003 and January 2004. A small window was made in the posterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage and 2–3 mm in a cranial direction to the lower edge of the thyroid cartilage. The inner perichondrium was carefully removed to expose the LCA muscle. A 4-0 nylon suture placed through the LCA muscle was pulled to adduct the arytenoid and was tied to the anterior lower part of the thyroid cartilage. All cases were treated by LCA pull alone. In all cases, the maximum phonation time was measured and an auditory evaluation was performed using the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain scale. The airflow rate was measured in five cases. Results. Vocal improvement was obtained in 11/13 cases (85%). One of the unimproved cases had cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. No complications were observed.

Bilateral cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis in scleroderma

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:696-7.

両側輪状披裂関節強直症に対するレーザー破裂軟骨切除術

CO2 laser arytenoidectomy was performed for bilateral median vocal fold fixation caused by cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. Submucosal laser arytenoidectomy was performed, and the wound was covered by the mucosa with fibrin glue. The patient did not complain of dyspnea and could eat normal food without aspiration two days after surgery. Voice quality after surgery was as good as before surgery.CO2 laser arytenoidectomy is a useful surgical procedure not only for bilateral vocal fold paralysis but also for bilateral cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis.

Major patterns of laryngeal electromyography and their clinical application.

Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is clinically valuable in the evaluation of laryngeal dysfunction and vocal fold immobility. To facilitate clinical application of this electrophysiologic test, a detailed description of modified LEMG techniques is presented. The techniques were applied for simultaneous bilateral recordings of the thyroarytenoid, cricothyroid, and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The basic patterns of LEMG are classified into three different types: normal, neuropathy, and myopathy. In an attempt to characterize these patterns, we have reported eight LEMG-documented cases: unilateral laryngeal paralysis, bilateral laryngeal paralysis, cricoarytenoid joint dislocation, cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis, laryngeal myopathy, pharyngeal paralysis (soft palate paralysis), spasmodic dysphonia, and unilateral laryngeal paralysis with anastomosis. The significance of the major LEMG patterns is discussed.

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy after failed laryngeal radiation therapy.

Twelve patients managed with supracricoid partial laryngectomies (SCPLs) after failed laryngeal radiation therapy (RT) were evaluated. None of the recurrent tumors were amenable to vertical or horizontal partial laryngectomy. Results were analyzed for tracheostomy decannulation, oral alimentation, morbidity, local control, and survival. Major complications included perichondritis (2 patients), laryngeal stenosis (2 patients), and pneumonia from aspiration (1 patient). Mucocutaneous fistula and cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis were not encountered. Margins of resection were uninvolved in all cases. The Kaplan-Meier 3-year actuarial survival and local control estimate was 83.3%. Salvage total laryngectomy allowed for an overall 100% local control rate and a 75% laryngeal preservation rate. This preliminary report suggests that, in patients with failed laryngeal RT not amenable to vertical or horizontal partial laryngectomy, the SCPL procedures should be discussed before advocating salvage total laryngectomy. Further series analyzing the role and limitations of the various SCPL procedures after failed laryngeal RT are warranted.

New mobilization and laterofixation procedure for cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joints due to rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe laryngeal obstruction. With a mobilization and laterofixation procedure, five of six patients were successfully operated upon. Documented improvement of breathing was achieved and the voice function was acceptable after decannulation.

Cricoarytenoid arthritis presenting as cardiopulmonary arrest

We describe a patient with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis who presented in full cardiopulmonary arrest. He was given intracardiac epinephrine. Fibroptic laryngoscopy determined the cause of the arrest to be upper airway obstruction from cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis, a complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. The patient underwent a tracheostomy, recovered uneventfully, and was doing well nine months later. The literature is reviewed, and the pathophysiology, clinical findings, presentations, and treatment of this potentially fatal entity are described.