Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder Research Articles

Variability of Maximum Glottal Angle on Clinical Sniff Task Differs in Patients With Functional and Organic Laryngeal Pathologies Compared to Healthy Controls

ObjectivesPractitioners rely heavily on flexible endoscopic visualization of the true vocal folds during a repeated “sniff-ee” maneuver to assess vocal fold mobility. However, the human eye lacks the temporal and spatial precision required to accurately gauge fine differences in maximal glottal angle. This study compared differences in maximal glottal angle variables during “sniff-ee” maneuvers across patients with various voice and laryngeal breathing disorders. MethodsWe retrospectively measured glottal angle from flexible laryngoscopy exams in six groups of patients with voice and upper airway disorders: laryngeal dystonia/essential tremor (LD/ET), vocal fold lesions, vocal fold atrophy, paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD), muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), and healthy controls. Maximum glottal angle (GAMAX) and average glottal angle (GAAVG) were calculated during three serial “sniff-ee” maneuvers for all participants. Individual disorder groups (MTD, PVFMD, LD/ET, atrophy, lesion) and broader disorder types (functional and organic) were compared to healthy controls using simple linear regression analyses. ResultsNo significant difference in either GAMAX or GAAVG was found between controls and the disorder subgroups or broader disorder type (function and organic). However, there were statistically significant differences in the variability of GAMAX in both PVFMD (6.2° more variability; p<0.001) and LD/ET (5.8° more variability; p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. ConclusionPatients diagnosed with LD/ET and PVFMD both demonstrated significantly more variability in their GAMAX compared to healthy controls, suggesting that movement consistency or coordination may be relatively compromised in these patient groups. Further research is warranted to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of glottal angle variability in diagnosing PVFMD and LD in clinical or research settings. Level of Evidence4 Short SummaryLaryngeal exams from five patient groups were compared to those from healthy controls. Patients with paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder and laryngeal movement disorders exhibited significantly greater variability of glottal angle during sniff maneuver compared to healthy controls.

The impact of a fast-track questionnaire in pediatric paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD)

PVFMD is a frequent cause of dyspnea in the healthy adolescent. When PVFMD is suspected, the current standard of care includes referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT) prior to beginning laryngeal control therapy (LCT) with a speech language pathologist (SLP). We hypothesize that a "fast-track" screening questionnaire will improve time to treatment and decrease patient charges. Patients (n=258, group 1) who received traditional referral and were evaluated in pediatric voice clinic with a diagnosis of PVFMD between 11/2013 and 11/2017 were identified and compared with 66 patients (group 2) from 10/2018 to 11/2019 who were prospectively studied and placed into a fast-tracked subgroup for LCT without preceding ENT evaluation if they scored 8/10 or higher on a designed screening questionnaire. Female gender (group 1: 81%, group 2: 83%, p=0.73) and median age (group 1:14 years IQR 4; group 2:14 years IQR 3, p=0.83) were similar. The median duration from symptom onset to LCT was shorter for group 2 (group 1: 12 months, IQR 18; group 2: 8.5 months, IQR 8)(p=0.02). Time from referral to LCT was shorter for group 2at 3 weeks (IQR 3) compared to group 1at 4 weeks (IQR 3.5, p<0.01). The minimum single patient charge for group 1 was estimated at $5123 and $1649 for group 2, yielding a potential reduction of charges of over $3000. Using a fast-track screening questionnaire for pediatric PVFMD patients significantly decreases the time to treatment without altering the response rate of LCT.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Refractory Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder.

Paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD) is a condition involving the inappropriate narrowing of the larynx with symptoms of laryngeal tightness and dyspnea. A 23-year-old woman was diagnosed with PVFMD by imaging, revealing dynamically constricted, supraglottic tissue, an abnormal adduction of the vocal cords with a characteristic "posterior chink" observed. After diagnosis, laryngeal control retraining protocols and biofeedback therapy were initiated. To treat persistent symptoms, interventions such as vocal fold botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections were performed with slight improvements. Ultimately, psychiatry performed 10 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulations (rTMS) with a right-sided, low-frequency approach to treat the patient's underlying major depressive disorder and comorbid anxious distress. Afterward, the patient's symptoms were successfully reduced with an improvement in Dyspnea Severity Index. Although most patients with PVFMD were relieved with laryngeal control therapy, some are refractory and lack the literature on the best treatment. In this case, we followed the multidisciplinary approach and individualized our novel therapeutic strategies including especially rTMS, which successfully reduced symptoms. This is the first reported case of refractory PVFMD to be treated with novel interventions, and rTMS might play a role in PVFMD mitigation.

Long-term pulmonary sequelae in adolescents post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RationaleSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes long‐term pulmonary sequelae in adults, but little is known about pulmonary outcomes in pediatrics.Objective(s)The aim of this study was to describe long‐term subjective and objective pulmonary abnormalities after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pediatric populations.MethodsSingle‐center, retrospective cohort of patients seen in post‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pulmonary clinic in 2021. Subjects evaluated had persistent pulmonary symptoms 4 weeks or more after initial infection. Clinical testing included a 6‐min walk test (6MWT), chest X‐ray, pre‐ and postbronchodilator spirometry, plethysmography, and diffusion capacity. Patients were followed 2‐to‐3‐months after the initial visit with repeat testing. The primary outcome was the presence of abnormal pulmonary function testing. Secondary measures included variables associated with pulmonary outcomes.ResultsEighty‐two adolescents were seen at a median of 3.5 months postinfection, with approximately 80% reporting two or more symptoms at clinic presentation (cough, chest pain, dyspnea at rest, and exertional dyspnea). At follow‐up (~6.5 months) exertional dyspnea persisted for most (67%). Spirometry was normal in 77% of patients, but 31% had a positive bronchodilator response. No abnormalities were noted on plethysmography or diffusion capacity. Clinical phenotypes identified included inhaled corticosteroid responsiveness, paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder, deconditioning, and dysautonomia. Multivariable modeling demonstrated that obesity, anxiety, and resting dyspnea were associated with reduced 6MWT, while female sex and resting dyspnea were associated with higher Borg Dyspnea and Fatigues scores.ConclusionsThis is the largest study to date of pediatric patients with long‐term pulmonary sequelae post‐COVID‐19. Identified clinical phenotypes and risk factors warrant further study and treatment.

Can the Expiratory Disproportion Index Distinguish PVFMD from Subglottic Stenosis in Obese Patients?

Expiratory disproportion index (EDI) is the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) divided by peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) multiplied by 100. Prominent EDI (>50) values can differentiate subglottic stenosis (SGS) from paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder (PVFMD), but this has not been verified when considering body habitus. We hypothesize that the predictive value of elevated EDI in differentiating SGS from PVFMD will be lower in obese patients than non-obese patients. Patients ≥ 18 years old with recorded PFT values, BMI, and airway imaging were reviewed retrospectively from 01/2011 to 10/2018. EDI was recorded for 4 cohorts: non-obese/SGS, non-obese/ PVFMD, obese/SGS, and obese/ PVFMD, to determine the mean EDI and the sensitivity/specificity of an elevated EDI. Mean EDI values were 69.32 and 48.38 in the non-obese SGS and PVFMD groups, respectively (P < .01). They were 58.89 and 47.67 in the obese SGS and PVFMD groups, respectively (P < .05). At a threshold of >50, EDI had a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 51.6% in differentiating between SGS and PVFMD cases in non-obese patients and 51.6% and 63.6% in obese patients. Prior literature has established that EDI can distinguish SGS from PVFMD in the general population. Our results show that the mean EDI values were significantly different in both cohorts, but an elevated EDI was not as sensitive at identifying SGS cases in obese patients. This suggests that the EDI should be used with caution in obese patients and should not be relied upon to rule out SGS. 3.

Reduced Asthma Medication Use after Treatment of Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder.

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder (PVFMD) leads to decreased asthma medication use. Our secondary objective was to determine dyspnea outcomes following diagnosis and treatment for PVFMD. Prospective observational study. Patients with newly diagnosed PVFMD between the ages of 11 and 17 were recruited at a single pediatric institution. A medication questionnaire and Dyspnea Index (DI) were completed at the initial visit, at the first return visit, and at greater than 6 months post-diagnosis and therapy. Laryngeal Control Therapy (LCT) consisted of teaching breathing techniques and identifying emotional, physical, and environmental contributing factors and strategies to reduce them. Twenty-six patients were recruited to the study. There were 19/26 (73%) patients diagnosed with asthma prior to a diagnosis of PVFMD, and 26/26 (100%) patients were using an inhaler prior to the enrollment visit. Twenty-two (85%) patients completed follow-up questionnaires. Five patients participated in no therapy, seven patients in partial therapy, and 14 patients in full therapy. Significant reduction in asthma medication use was seen in the full therapy group (P< .05) and in those with exercise as their only trigger (P< .05). Furthermore, symptoms as scored by the DI decreased overall from 25.5 to 18.8 (P< .001). Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric PVFMD leads to a decline in asthma medication use in those patients who participate in at least two LCT sessions and in those with exercise-induced PVFMD. LCT for pediatric PVFMD leads to a significant decrease in symptoms as measured by the DI. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1639-1646, 2021.

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement: A Retrospective Analysis

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is a disorder in which the vocal folds adduct inappropriately during inspiration resulting in episodic dyspnea and sometimes respiratory distress. Diagnosis is obtained through careful history, physical examination, flexible laryngoscopic examination with provocative maneuvers, and laryngeal electromyography. The pathogenesis and clinical findings of this disorder are not known. To determine characteristics of patients with confirmed PVFM and to evaluate efficacy of current treatments. A retrospective chart review of the patients with PVFM who presented at a quaternary care laryngology office between January 1, 2007 and August 31, 2019 was performed. Comorbidities, laboratories tests, imaging, 24-hours pH impedance testing, and laryngeal EMG results were analyzed. Dyspnea Index questionnaire before and after treatment was used to evaluate the efficiency of treatments for PVFM. The average age of the 40 patients was 30.25 years. Forty-five percent of patients were under the age of 18, and 80% were female. Twenty-five percent of patients were serious athletes, and 40% of patients were students. Sixty-five percent had a previous diagnosis of asthma. One third of patients had concurrent psychiatric diagnosis. There was no family history of PVFM in the cohort. There were no other common findings. Treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was used only when there was evidence of LPR; and 93% of our 40 patients received LPR treatment. Ninety percent of patients who received botulinum toxin, voice therapy (VT), and LPR treatment had subjective improvement. Patients with just VT and LPR treatment had a 43% subjective improvement rate; and the difference was statistically significant at P of 0.021. There was no statistical difference between VT and LPR treatment versus VT or LPR treatment alone. Botulinum toxin, VT, and LPR treatment regimen is currently the most effective management for patients with paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder. More research is needed to determine the etiology of this disorder.

A Trigger Reduction Approach to Treatment of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder in the Pediatric Population

Paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD), or induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO), is a clinical phenomenon characterized by inappropriate adduction of the true vocal folds during inspiration. The resultant episodes of acute respiratory distress marked by exercise-induced cough, inspiratory stridor, throat tightness, and shortness of breath are often misattributed to asthma despite normal pulmonary function testing results. Although the pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear, the etiology is likely multifactorial with an inflammatory, neurological, and psychiatric basis. Our trigger reduction approach, consisting of a plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet to treat laryngopharyngeal reflux and sinus toilet, aims to dampen the peripheral neuronal hyperexcitability of the laryngopharyngeal tissues that is hypothesized to contribute to this disorder. The primary objective of the present study was to assess for therapeutic efficacy by analyzing pre- and post-treatment subjective scores using four validated indices: Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Dyspnea Index (DI), and Cough Severity Index (CSI). A retrospective chart review of all patients age ≤18 years seen by the senior author between 2012 and 2018 who reported laryngeal spasm (J35.5) as a presenting complaint with no underlying organic diagnosis that otherwise explained the symptom identified the study cohort. Patients were excluded if another cause of their laryngeal spasm was identified or their medical records were incomplete. Of 80 patients, 24 met the criteria. The most frequent presenting symptom was exercise-induced dyspnea (79%). Of the four measured indices, only a change in DI (P = 0.024) met statistical significance. Of 24 patients, 18 (75%) demonstrated a reduction in DI following our treatment protocol. Using reduction in DI as a continuous variable to assess response, the patient cohort experienced a 4.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-8.6) mean point reduction. Using the eight-point reduction (improvement) in DI as an accepted clinical response to treatment, 8 of 24 patients (33%) experienced a clinically relevant response. Changes in CSI (P = 0.059), RSI (P = 0.27), and VHI (P = 0.25) did not meet statistical significance. Of 24 patients, 8 (33%), 11 (46%), and 7 (29%) demonstrated a reduction in CSI, RSI, and VHI following our trigger reduction protocol, respectively. The patient cohort experienced a mean point reduction of 1.8 (95% CI: -0.1 to 3.7), 1.3 (95% CI: -1.1 to 3.7), and 1.3 (95% CI: -1.0 to 3.6) in CSI, RSI, and VHI, respectively. Paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder is a multifactorial disease that poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to ensure patient safety, satisfaction, and reduction in health care costs, as mistreatment with asthma pharmacotherapy, intubation, or tracheostomy may exacerbate their dyspnea and lead to preventable hospitalizations. Our results demonstrate that a trigger reduction approach consisting of a plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet and sinus toilet alone may not achieve a clinically meaningful response in the majority of patients. However, given their favorable safety profile, our therapeutic regimen, along with respiratory retraining therapy, may provide symptom relief for selected patients who would otherwise continue to suffer.

Trauma-informed care improves management of paradoxical vocal fold movement patients.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) has been used by clinicians, primarily pulmonologists, to describe a variety of conditions in which the regulation and coordination of vocal fold movements are part of the explanation of cough or difficulty breathing, mainly paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFM). Prior studies show an intersection of mental health issues, primarily anxiety, and PVFM. We began incorporating mental health screening tools using the Life Events Checklist-5 (LEC-5) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C) to assess symptomatology that may be related to traumatic life events. We seek to review the utility of these questionnaires for identifying patients who have experienced emotional trauma and use the principles of trauma-informed care currently lacking for PVFM. We incorporated mental health screening tools using the PCL-C and LEC-5 for anyone referred to the Chicago Institute for Voice Care for VCD from the pulmonology clinic at our institution. Each patient underwent a comprehensive strobovideolaryngoscopy including provocative maneuvers to provoke paradoxical movements. A total of 16 subjects were analyzed; of those, seven (43.8%) screened positive for PTSD with the PCL-C. Overall, 58 traumatic events occurred among the 16 patients, with 31 (61.7%) of the traumatic events occurring in the seven positively screened for PTSD. Using the PCL-C and LEC-5, the principles of trauma-informed care principles were applied to patients initially referred for VCD who were found to have prior traumatic events. We recommend early mental health screening to establish a multidisciplinary team in PVFM. 3 Laryngoscope, 130:1508-1513, 2020.

Factors Affecting Initiation of Voice Therapy for Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder

To investigate patient-level predictors of initiation of voice therapy for paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFM). Prospective outcomes database study. Patients consented to the University of Wisconsin Voice and Swallow Clinics Outcomes Database between March 2010 and November 2016 who were diagnosed with PVFM and recommended for voice therapy were eligible. Patients who attended at least one voice therapy session were considered to have initiated therapy. Analyzed variables included age, gender, distance to the clinic, insurance status, socioeconomic factors, comorbidity score, spirometry results, presence of asthma and/or dysphonia diagnoses, length of evaluation and evaluation model, and patient scores on the Voice Handicap Index and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. One-hundred seventy-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 118 initiated voice therapy as recommended (66.29%). The majority of patients were female (n = 127; 71.35%). Age was the only factor significantly associated with therapy initiation in both univariate (P = 0.0359) and multivariable (P = 0.0295) analyses, with patients aged 30-39 least likely to attend compared with other age groups. Multivariable analysis also showed that patients evaluated by a speech-language pathologist alone were an estimated three times as likely to initiate therapy compared to patients evaluated by speech-language pathologist and otolaryngologist (ENT) together (P = 0.0407). Other variables were not statistically significant for prediction of therapy initiation. This study suggests that age group and evaluation model are associated with initiation of voice therapy for PVFM. Further study is needed to investigate social-cognitive and quality-of-life factors in predicting therapy initiation.

Perceptual Clinical Features in Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO): Toward Improved Diagnostic Approaches

IntroductionAthletes with exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) (previously commonly referred to as paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder, or paradoxical vocal fold motion, among other terms) are often misdiagnosed, resulting in prolonged, and at times inappropriate, clinical management. The high prevalence of misdiagnosis is largely due to a lack of universal consensus of key clinical features indicating EILO and a dearth of validated quantitative approaches to accurately detect episodic laryngeal breathing disorders (ELBD) from other pathologies. Additionally, mechanisms underlying EILO clinical presentation are poorly understood, further confounding identification and management of the condition. Therefore, the objectives of this study were twofold. The first was to identify patient-centered perception of symptoms that could distinguish adolescent athletes with EILO from athletes without the condition, at baseline (rest) and during an exercise challenge (provocation), and to quantify symptom severities for use as preliminary diagnostic benchmarks. The second objective was to investigate the merit of one commonly proposed mechanism in the EILO literature—stress reactivity (temperament)—by comparing personality traits in athletes with and without EILO. MethodsTwelve (12) athletes diagnosed with EILO and 14 healthy athletic volunteers without the condition were asked to rate the severity of their present symptoms using a 0–100 continuous visual analog scale. Participants then underwent an exercise challenge with simultaneous laryngoscopy and were asked to complete the same set of symptom severity ratings experienced during rigorous exercise. Finally, participants completed the Fear subscale on the early adolescent temperament questionnaire—revised (EATQ-R) to measure self-perceived levels of stress reactivity. ResultsThere were significant group differences for inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea with exercise (P = 0.01). Symptoms of stridor (EILO: P = .01; control: P = .001) and throat tightness (EILO: P = .01, control: P = .01) were statistically different between rest and exercise in both groups. However, no group differences were found on these two parameters (P > .05). Other symptoms from the list of previously purported symptoms indicative of ELBD (e.g. cough, dysphonia) were infrequently reported in the exercise variant. Additionally, measurements of stress reactivity on the EATQ-R Fear subscale were similar between the two athletic groups. Interestingly, EATQ-R Fear Subscale scores for both groups were significantly higher compared to typical adolescents in the U.S. population (P < .001, respectively). DiscussionResults suggest dyspnea severity, particularly when experienced during an exercise-induced ELBD (EILO) episode, is the most sensitive symptom parameter to distinguish individuals with EILO from those without the condition. These findings confirm previous literature describing episodic laryngeal breathing disorders in clinical cohorts. Results also showed symptoms of throat tightness and stridor is more prevalent during exercise, compared to rest. However, the level of their severity occurred variably across both groups of athletes and may point to a less robust indication of pathology. Finally, similarities to stress reactivity between the two athletic groups imply certain temperaments historically attributed to patients with EILO may instead better reflect temperaments in competitive young athletes, in general. ConclusionStudy findings highlight the importance of using normative comparisons in the study of episodic laryngeal breathing disorders to prevent overgeneralization of characteristics to clinical cohorts. Results also speak of the clinical utility of exercise challenge to improve specificity of EILO diagnosis.

The forgotten cause of stridor in the emergency department.

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement Disorder is where the larynx exhibits paradoxical vocal cords closure during respiration, creating partial airway obstruction. Causes of vocal fold movement disorder are multifactorial, and patients describe tightness of throat, difficulty getting air in, have stridor, and do not respond to inhalers. We propose using transnasal laryngoscopy examination, which will show narrowing of vocal cords on inspiration, and The Pittsburgh Vocal Cord Dysfunction Index with a cutoff score of ≥4 to distinguish vocal fold movement disorder from asthma and other causes of stridor. Management of paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder involves a combination of pharmacological, psychological, psychiatric, and speech training. Paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder is a very treatable cause of stridor, so long as it is identified and other organic causes are excluded.

Does treatment of paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder decrease asthma medication use?

To determine whether diagnosis and treatment of paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder (PVFMD) leads to decreased asthma medication use. Secondary objectives include determining initial rate of asthma medication use, characterizing symptom improvement, and correlating with pulmonary function testing (PFT). Prospective observational study. Patients newly diagnosed with PVFMD at a single institution were recruited to participate. Medication questionnaires were completed at the initial visit, at the first return visit for therapy, and at 6 months. PFTs were reviewed when available. Sixty-six patients were recruited; the study was closed early because findings reached significance. Fifty-six patients (85%) were taking asthma medication at presentation. Forty-four patients presented with PFTs, and two-thirds were normal. Forty-two patients completed follow-up questionnaires; 79% decreased asthma medication use (P < .001), and 82% reported symptom improvement. Seventy-seven percent of patients participated in therapy and 23% did not, with equal rates of decrease in asthma medication use between these groups. Outcomes did not vary based on PFT pattern (i.e., obstructive vs. nonobstructive, P = .75). Diagnosis and treatment of PVFMD lead to a decline in asthma medication use. This decrease occurred alongside symptom improvement and irrespective of PFT findings. Use of asthma medication in this patient population is high, at 85%. 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1531-1537, 2017.

The Ability of Patient-Symptom Questionnaires to Differentiate PVFMD From Asthma

Goals of the current study were to (1) conduct initial validation of a new Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement Disorder Screening Questionnaire (PVFMD-SQ); (2) determine if symptom-based questionnaires can discriminate between patients with confirmed PVFMD and those with diagnosed uncontrolled asthma without clinical suspicion for PVFMD; and (3) determine if a new questionnaire with diagnostic specificity could be created from a combination of significant items on previously validated questionnaires. This is a prospective, case-controlled study of patients with PVFMD only and asthma only, who completed five questionnaires: Dyspnea Index, Reflux Symptom Index, Voice Handicap Index-10, Sino-Nasal Questionnaire, and PVFMD-SQ. Factor analysis was completed on the new PVFMD-SQ, and the discrimination ability of selected factors was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve. The factor with the greatest discriminatory ability was selected to create one diagnostic questionnaire, and scores for each participant were calculated to estimate how well the factor correlated with a PVFMD or asthma diagnosis. Mean scores on all questionnaires were compared to test their discriminatory ability. Patients with PVFMD showed greater voice handicap and reflux symptoms than patients with asthma. A 15-item one-factor questionnaire was developed from the original PVFMD-SQ, with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 73% for diagnosing asthma versus PVFMD. The combined questionnaires resulted in four factors, none of which showed discriminatory ability between PVFMD and asthma. This study represents the first time that a patient symptom-based screening tool has shown diagnostic sensitivity to differentiate PVFMD from asthma in a cohort of symptomatic patients.

Paradoxical vocal fold motion in children presenting with exercise induced dyspnea

IntroductionAlthough dyspnea with exercise in the pediatric population can be multifactorial, the diagnosis of paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD) in this group is not well characterized. The objective of this study is to review the multiple causes of dyspnea with exercise in children, including the prevalence of PVFMD within this study population. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of patients seen at a tertiary pediatric hospital for exercise-induced dyspnea suspected to be related to PVFMD between January 2007 and July 2015. Inclusion criteria included assessment in a specialty exercise clinic and evaluation by a pediatric otolaryngologist and pulmonologist. Pre- and post-exercise pulmonary function tests and laryngoscopic examinations were performed. Data including co-morbidities, presenting symptoms, prior diagnoses and treatments, final diagnoses, prescribed treatments and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results294 patients were evaluated at our institution during the study period. 4 patients were excluded for insufficient data, which left 290 for analysis. 75 were male, 215 female. All patients underwent treadmill testing with monitoring to simulate strenuous exercise. Average patient age was 14.6 years; average BMI was 21.53. The most common sports to elicit symptoms were running and soccer. Patients most frequently complained of stridor or wheezing in addition to dyspnea. Throat tightness was also a common complaint. After evaluation, 86 patients were given the primary diagnosis of exercise-induced PVFMD. 54 patients were diagnosed with physiologic dyspnea and 30 with exercise-induced asthma. ConclusionPediatric patients presenting with exercise-induced dyspnea can have multiple etiologies for their symptoms including PVFMD. Other causes of dyspnea with exercise should not be underestimated.

Dysfunctional breathing and reaching one's physiological limit as causes of exercise-induced dyspnoea.

Key pointsExcessive exercise-induced shortness of breath is a common complaint. For some, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is the primary cause and for a small minority there may be an alternative organic pathology. However for many, the cause will be simply reaching their physiological limit or be due to a functional form of dysfunctional breathing, neither of which require drug therapy.The physiological limit category includes deconditioned individuals, such as those who have been through intensive care and require rehabilitation, as well as the unfit and the fit competitive athlete who has reached their limit with both of these latter groups requiring explanation and advice.Dysfunctional breathing is an umbrella term for an alteration in the normal biomechanical patterns of breathing that result in intermittent or chronic symptoms, which may be respiratory and/or nonrespiratory. This alteration may be due to structural causes or, much more commonly, be functional as exemplified by thoracic pattern disordered breathing (PDB) and extrathoracic paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (pVFMD).Careful history and examination together with spirometry may identify those likely to have PDB and/or pVFMD. Where there is doubt about aetiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing may be required to identify the deconditioned, unfit or fit individual reaching their physiological limit and PDB, while continuous laryngoscopy during exercise is increasingly becoming the benchmark for assessing extrathoracic causes.Accurate assessment and diagnosis can prevent excessive use of drug therapy and result in effective management of the cause of the individual’s complaint through cost-effective approaches such as reassurance, advice, breathing retraining and vocal exercises.This review provides an overview of the spectrum of conditions that can present as exercise-­induced breathlessness experienced by young subjects participating in sport and aims to promote understanding of the need for accurate assessment of an individual’s symptoms. We will highlight the high incidence of nonasthmatic causes, which simply require reassurance or simple interventions from respiratory physiotherapists or speech pathologists.

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

Paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD) is a disease characterized by intermittent adduction of the vocal folds during inspiration and/or expiration, causing dyspnea and sensation of throat tightness. Usually there are intermittent symptoms of shortness of breath and inspiratory stridor that may lead patient to emergency units. The disease is frequently misdiagnosed and many patients are treated wrongly. Some neurologic alterations are accused but the etiology is still unclear. The diagnostic work-up should include a detailed history and physical examination, pulmonary function testing, measures of oxygenation and flexible laryngoscopy. Asthma, laryngopharyngeal reflux, some air irritants and some psychologic conditions should be ruled out in differential diagnosis.

Irritant-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder: Diagnosis and Management.

To review our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of irritant-induced paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (IPVFMD). Retrospective chart review. Tertiary academic referral center. Thirty-four cases that met IPVFMD criteria and 76 cases of non-IPVFMD were selected from a database of patients with paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder-the diagnosis of which was made on the basis of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and augmented by an odor challenge. Clinical charts were reviewed to document history of environmental allergies, pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux, psychiatric disorder, fibromyalgia, tobacco use, alcohol use, dysphonia, cough, dysphagia, and treatment outcomes. There were no statistical differences between the IPVFMD and non-IPVFMD groups. Of the patients who were assigned and attended laryngeal control therapy, 13 (65%) reported improvement of symptoms. Symptom improvement increased to 100% in those patients who attended at least 2 laryngeal control therapy sessions. IPVFMD should be considered in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms after irritant exposure. Sensitivity of diagnosis can be improved via a standardized approach consisting of a careful history and physical examination, including laryngoscopy in the presence of triggers. Laryngeal control therapy is a well-tolerated and effective method of managing IPVFMD.

Test–Retest Reliability of Respiratory Resistance Measured With the Airflow Perturbation Device

In this study, the authors aimed to determine reliability of the airflow perturbation device (APD) to measure respiratory resistance within and across sessions during resting tidal (RTB) and postexercise breathing in healthy athletes, and during RTB across trials within a session in athletes with paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) disorder. Prospective, repeated-measures design. The APD measured respiratory resistance during 3 baseline assessments in 24 teenage female athletes, 12 with and 12 without PVFM. Control athletes provided data at rest and following a customized exercise challenge during each of 3 sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis assessed strength of relationships, and repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed differences across trials and sessions. ICC analyses confirmed strong correlations across RTB trials for inspiratory, expiratory, and mean respiratory resistance in both groups. Inspiratory resistance decreased ~5% between sessions for control participants; expiratory and mean respiratory resistances were stable. Data from control athletes across sessions and following rigorous exercise were strongly correlated when taken at comparable intervals. APD-measured respiratory resistance, including separate assessments for the inspiratory and expiratory phases, has strong test-retest reliability during RTB and after exercising. This suggests that the APD is a useful measurement tool for the assessment of airway function in patients suspected of having PVFM.

Paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder in the elite athlete: Experience at a large division I university

To review our experience at a large division I university with the diagnosis and management of paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD) in elite athletes. A single institution retrospective review and cohort analysis. All elite athletes (division I collegiate athletes, triathletes, and marathon runners) with a diagnosis of PVFMD were identified. All patients underwent flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL) to confirm the diagnosis of PVFMD. The type of PVFMD therapy was identified and efficacy of treatment was graded based on symptom resolution. Forty-six consecutive athletes with PVFMD were identified. A total of 30/46 (65%) were division 1 collegiate athletes and 16/46 (35%) were triathletes or marathon runners. In comparison to a nonathlete PVFMD cohort, athletes were less likely to present with a history of reflux (P < 0.01), psychiatric diagnosis (P < 0.01), dysphonia (P < 0.01), cough (P = 0.02), or dysphagia (P < 0.01). The use of postexertion FFL provided additional diagnostic information in 11 (24%) patients. Laryngeal control therapy (LCT) was recommended for 45/46. A total of 36/45 attended at least one LCT session and 25 (69%) reported improvement of symptoms. Additionally, biofeedback, practice-observed therapy, and thyroarytenoid muscle botulinum toxin injection were required in three, two, and two patients, respectively. The addition of postexertion FFL improves the sensitivity to detect PVFMD in athletes. PVFMD in athletes responds well to LCT. However, biofeedback, practice-observed therapy, and botulinum toxin injection may be required for those patients with an inadequate response to therapy. 4.