Vocal Nodules Research Articles

Evaluation of Objective and Subjective Voice Analysis in Children with Vocal Nodule

Evaluation of Objective and Subjective Voice Analysis in Children with Vocal Nodule

Auditory-perceptual and acoustic measures in women with and without vocal nodules

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar as medidas acústicas e perceptivo-auditivas de mulheres com e sem nódulos vocais. Métodos Participaram do estudo 12 mulheres com nódulos vocais (grupo MNV) e 12 sem nódulos vocais (grupo MSNV). Foram submetidas à gravação da vogal /a/ sustentada, com o objetivo de extrair a média da frequência fundamental (f0), desvio padrão de f0 (DP f0), jitter, shimmer, Glottal Noise Excitation, medidas relacionadas ao Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed, medidas espectrais das diferenças do primeiro e segundo harmônico (H1-H2) e gravação das frases-veículo: “Digo papa baixinho”, “Digo pipa baixinho” e “Digo pupa baixinho”, para extração do primeiro (F1) e segundo formante (F2) dos segmentos vocálicos /a, i, u/. Para avaliação perceptivo-auditiva, utilizou-se a Escala Visual Analógica. Resultados A análise comparativa entre os grupos evidenciou maiores valores para o grupo MNV nos parâmetros grau geral, rugosidade e soprosidade e para a medida acústica shimmer. Os valores de F1 para as vogais /a/ e /u/ e os valores de F2 para a vogal /a/ apresentaram-se mais elevados no mesmo grupo. Conclusão mulheres com nódulos apresentaram vozes mais desviadas, com presença de rugosidade e soprosidade e modificações nos ajustes do trato vocal, com possível redução na amplitude dos articuladores, quando comparadas às mulheres sem nódulos vocais.

Predictive Factors for the Efficacy of Voice Therapy for Pediatric Vocal Fold Nodule

Background and Objectives Voice therapy (VT) is considered to be the gold standard of treatment of vocal fold nodule in children. This study was designed to analyze the success rate of pediatric VT and investigate the predictive factors for good response of periatic VT for vocal fold nodule.Materials and Method This was a retrospective cohort study of 23 patients under 18 years old who were diagnosed with vocal fold nodule and received pediatric VT. We divided the patients into responding and non-responding groups. We analyzed clinical and voice parameters related to the voice results.Results Twelve patients showed improved findings after VT. By univariate analysis, female patients (85.7%) and adolescence children (100%) showed a good response to VT. In multivariate analysis, female sex (p<0.05) and adolescence children (p<0.05) were significantly related to a successful voice response. Proton pump inhibitor or antihistamine, mucolytics treatment and pre-VT voice parameters did not significantly influence voice outcomes.Conclusion Pediatric VT is more effective in female and adolescence children.

Telehealth for Treatment of Pediatric Dysphonia

Vocal fold nodules are the most common etiology of chronic dysphonia in the pediatric population. Voice therapy is an effective first line of treatment, with increasing evidence supporting the use of telepractice in speech pathology. Despite this, there is limited data on its effectiveness in the pediatric population. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of telepractice in delivering voice therapy to children diagnosed with vocal fold nodules. A retrospective review was conducted of patients treated with virtual voice therapy from April 2020 to June 2021. Patients were included if diagnosed with vocal fold nodules, 2-18 years of age, and completed therapy in a virtual format. Data includes demographics, Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) scores and pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) scores. Twenty-three children were included, 17 (74%) male and six (26%) female (with an age range of 2.4-9.9 years at the start of therapy). Prior to treatment, the average CAPE-V Overall Severity score was 37.9 (SD 13.8); the average posttreatment score was 22.4 (SD 10.2). The average pVHI total score prior to treatment was 26.3 (SD 12.1), with an average posttreatment score of 20.2 (SD 11.7). Patients who underwent virtual voice therapy had improved posttreatment CAPE-V severity scores than those prior to treatment (average difference = -15.5 points; 95% CI: -8.3 to -22.7; P < 0.001). An increased number of therapy sessions was associated with both higher initial CAPE-V severity scores (r = 0.72; P < 0.01) and a greater decrease in posttreatment CAPE-V scores (r = -0.55; P < 0.01). Virtual voice therapy may be feasible and efficacious in treating dysphonic children diagnosed with vocal fold nodules. Significant improvements were found in perceptual CAPE-V scores in overall severity; positive changes were also seen in parental measures of quality of life. Delivery of voice therapy in a telehealth format may increase access of care and should be considered as a treatment option.

Clinicopathological study of non-malignant lesions of larynx: a prospective observational study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Non-malignant lesions of the larynx constitute an interesting array of lesions. The significance of non-malignant lesions lies in the fact that it cannot only cause change in voice but, at times, can lead to breathing difficulty or life-threatening stridor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a prospective observational study done between November 2019 - July 2020. All the details were filled up by the principal investigator in a structured study proforma. This proforma contains data regarding essential demographic details, clinical features, ENT examination, flexible video laryngoscopy findings, stroboscopy findings, voice handicap index, diagnosis and management. Statistical method and data analysis in this study we tried to describe the analysis process with appropriate methods and principles of statistics, using the data collected from the patients, participated in this study. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The most common non-malignant lesion among the 50 patients studied was vocal cord polyp; second most common being the vocal cord cyst. The relation of hoarseness of voice, difficulty in breathing, smoking or alcohol intake with non-malignant lesions showed a statistically significant result. On interpreting the stroboscopic findings of various lesions, all cases of vocal nodule showed an hourglass-shaped glottic closure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; These lesions can create a lot of mental and emotional tension in the patient and the family. Early diagnosis of the lesions can lead to effective management and functional recovery. Stroboscopy is valued for its excellent ability to examine the structure and the function of the glottis during phonation.&lt;/p&gt;

Clinical Symptoms, Endoscopic Imaging and Stroboscopic Imaging in Patients with Vocal Fold Polyp at National ENT Hospital from August 2020 to May 2021

Vocal fold polyps are one of the most frequent benign laryngeal lesions, impacting the quality of voice of patients. This study aims to describe clinical characteristics, endoscopic and stroboscopic imaging in patients with vocal fold. The study used clinical images and histopathology to describe case series of 32 patients diagnosed with vocal fold polyps from august 2020 to May 2021. The study results show that the average age of the subjects was 42.1 ± 12.3; the most common risk factor was laryngopharyngeal reflux (71.8%); the most common symptoms were hoarseness (100%), of which moderate hoarseness was 59.4%), sore throat - 50%, vocal fatigue - 43.7%; total vhi-30 score was mostly at mild significant affect (71.9%); polyps were usually found in the mid-third of the free margin (65.6%) and vocal fold incompletely closed (100%). The results of stroboscopy show that the presence of mucosal waves was 96.9% and wave amplitude decreased by 68.8%. Taken together, hoarseness is the main symptom and the reason why patients seek medical attention and the position of the vocal fold polyps is usually in the mid-third of the free margin, affecting the anatomy and voice function of the vocal folds.&#x0D; Keywords&#x0D; Vocal fold polyp, clinical characteristics, endoscopic imaging, stroboscopic imaging, LPR.&#x0D; References&#x0D; 1] N. K. Hoa, T. C. Hoa, Benign Vocal Cord Lesions, Review of 315 Cases of Surgery at the Laryngeal Surgery Department - National Hospital of Otolaryngology, Journal of Practical Medicine, 2006, pp. 2-6 (in Vietnamese). [2] A. Zhukhovitskaya, D. Battaglia, S. M. Khosla et al., Gender and Age in Benign Vocal Fold Lesions, the Laryngoscope, 2014, pp. 193. [3] N. N. Lien, P. T. Canh, The Basic Ear Nose Throat, Medical Publishing, Hanoi, 1997. [4] N. P. Mai, Clinical Features and Treatment outcomes Benign Laryngeal Tumors at the ENT Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Thesis of a Specialist Doctor 2, Ho Chi Minh Medical University, 1999, 55-67 (in Vietnamese). [5] F. A. Sakaé et al., Vocal Fold Polyps and Cover Minimum Structural Alterations, Associated Injuries, Otorinolaryngol, Vol. 70, 2004, pp. 1-6. [6] N. A. Kawase, H. Hirose et al., A Statistical Study of Vocal Cord Nodule, Vocal Cord Polyp and Polypoid Vocal Cord, with Special Reference to the Physical and Social Histories of Patients, Ann Bull RilpHo, Vol. 16, 1982, pp. 235-245. [7] M. V. Akdogan , O. Topal, S. S. Erbek, Expression of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase -33 Protein in Vocal Fold Polyps, J Laryngol Otol, 2015, pp. 688-692. [8] T. X. Hai, Clinical Features Pathology of Vocal Cort Polysand Affect of Voice Quality, Thesis of a Specialist Doctor 2, Hanoi Medical University, Vol. 18, 2006, pp. 76-77 (in Vietnamese).[9] Y. Zhang, Chaotic vibrations of a Vocal Fold Model with a Unilateral Polyp, J Acoust Soc Am, 2004, pp. 115. [10] N. Q. Hung, Clinical Features Pathology, of Vocal cort Cys and Affect of Voice Quality, Thesis of Master, Hanoi Medical University, Vol, 21-13, 2006, pp. 59 - 70 (in Vietnamese)[11] C. A. Cielo, L. S. Finger, J. C. Rosa, A. R. Brancalioni, Organic and functional Lesions: Nodules, Polyps and Reinke’s Edema, Rev CEFAC, 2011, pp. 735-748. [12] A. Yamauchi, H. Imagawa et al., Quantification of Vocal Fold Vibration in Various Laryngeal Disorders Using High-Speed Digital Imaging, J Voice, Vol. 30, 2016, pp. 205-214.&#x0D;

Singer's Nodules: Investigating the Etiopathogenetic Markers Progressing Their Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations.

Simple SummaryVocal nodules, together with vocal polyps, are the most common benign vocal cord structures that are thought to be caused by extensive vocal abuse (shouting, talking loudly for prolonged periods) and are routinely treated surgically. However, surgical excision of these nodules, does not exclude the possibility of recurrence of these nodules, especially if lifestyle changes are not adapted to prevent phonetic trauma. Furthermore, the etiopathogenetic pathways governing the formation and maintenance of these nodules are not known. Herein, we investigated the etiopathogenetic markers for proliferation, apoptosis, growth, ischemia (tissue hypoxia), inflammation and innervation to elucidate the causative pathways. We found a profound and significant intensification of apoptosis in tissue epithelium, which strongly correlated with proliferative, ischemic, and inflammatory changes, highlighting the underlying complex interactions between various mechanisms on a cellular and tissue level, which occur during the morpho-pathogenesis of vocal nodules.Vocal nodules (or Singer’s nodules) are benign vocal cord structures which are commonly encountered by clinicians. Though phonetic trauma/abuse is thought to be the main cause of the development of vocal nodules, the exact etiopathogenesis remains unknown. Hence, we compared the immunohistochemical markers for proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (TUNEL), growth (EGFR), ischemia (VEGF), inflammation (IL-1α and 10), and immunoreactive innervation (PGP 9.5), in vocal nodule tissue samples obtained from 10 females (17–56 years) and vocal cord tissue from seven controls. A statistically significant increase in Ki-67, TUNEL, EGFR, VEGF and IL-1α expression was noted (p < 0.05) between nodule tissue and control tissue in both epithelial and subepithelial layers. However, the difference was non-significant for both IL-10 and PGP 9.5 (p > 0.05). All markers demonstrated moderate to strong positive correlations, except for IL-10. These findings suggest increased cellular growth and proliferation in vocal nodules coupled with a persistent presence of inflammatory and ischemic environment. Furthermore, global prevalence of apoptotic cells and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines highlight the presence of underlying complex mechanisms in the etiopathogenesis of vocal nodules, with age having a negligible impact on the marker levels. Our results could potentially further our knowledge in understanding the effects of different treatment modalities available at the cellular level.

Are Anxiety and Stress the Main Cause of Vocal Cord Nodules in Women?

Are Anxiety and Stress the Main Cause of Vocal Cord Nodules in Women?

Results of the study of conservative treatment of laryngeal manifestations of laryngopharyngeal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the discharge of stomach contents into the esophagus. In GERD, both esophageal and extraesophageal manifestations are widespread, but, unfortunately, the latter are less well known. About one third of GERD patients have extraesophageal symptoms, which can occur even in the absence of the usual esophageal symptoms of GERD, which makes diagnosis difficult. The most common of these is laryngitis. In addition to reflux laryngitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LFR) can cause the development of contact granulomas, laryngeal stenosis, functional dysphonia, vocal fold nodules, Reinecke's edema, and laryngeal neoplasms. These symptoms disappear after taking antireflux therapy, but there is still no consensus on its duration.Aim. To evaluate the results of treatment of laryngeal manifestations of LFR with omeprasole 20 mg 30 minutes before meals in the morning.Methods. The study involved 531 patients with complaints of hoarseness, of which women 337 - 63.5%, men 194 - 36.5%. We prescribed omeprasole 20 mg 30 minutes before meals in the morning for 6 weeks. Patients were questioned using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaire and indirect laryngoscopy with an assessment of laryngeal changes according to the Reflux Signs Scale (RSS).Results. There was a statistically significant decrease in hoarseness 1 week after treatment, which continues to decrease 6 weeks after the initiation of treatment when evaluating the data on the RSI questionnaire. There was no statistically significant difference in the laryngoscopic picture before the start of treatment and after 1 week of treatment according to RSS; a statistically significant decrease in the quantitative assessment of RSS was revealed 6 weeks after the initiation of treatment.Conclusions. Omeprasole at a dose of 20 mg in 30 minutes reduces the symptoms of LFR already after 1 week, the decrease in the severity of symptoms continues by 6 weeks of its use. Improvement of the laryngoscopic picture with the appointment of omeprazole 20 mg 30 minutes before meals occurs by the 6th week of its use. A positive correlation was found between the severity of LFR symptoms, including hoarseness, and the severity of changes in the laryngoscopic picture.

The Effectiveness of Vocal Hygiene Education With Resonant Voice Therapy for School-Aged Children With Vocal Nodules

This study evaluated the effectiveness of vocal hygiene education with resonant voice therapy for school-aged children with vocal nodules. A pre-test/post-test control group design was employed. Seventeen children aged between 6 and 9 years old with vocal nodules were randomly assigned to three groups: a treatment group, a placebo group and a control group. Children in the treatment group (n = 7) received six consecutive, weekly, one-hour sessions of vocal hygiene education with resonant voice therapy. Children in the placebo group (n = 5) received six consecutive, weekly, one-hour sessions on presentation skills training. Children in the control group (n = 5) did not receive any form of treatment. Subjective outcome measures included auditory-perceptual evaluation of overall dysphonia severity, the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) and the Children's Voice Handicap Index-10 (CVHI-10). Objective outcome measures included acoustic analysis of fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer and noise-to-harmonic ratio. Significant improvements in perceptual ratings of overall dysphonia severity levels and pVHI scores were found in the treatment group. No significant changes in acoustic measures and CVHI-10 scores were noted in any of the three groups. Interestingly, an improvement in perceptual overall dysphonia severity levels at post-evaluation was observed in the no treatment control group.

Flexible Nasal Endoscopic Procedures in Family Medicine: Indications and Effectiveness.

Most literature about flexible nasolaryngoscopy comes from specialty clinics, making it unclear if these indications can be effectively managed without referral. This study evaluated effectiveness of diagnosis and management of upper airway complaints, utilizing flexible nasal endoscopic procedures, in a family medicine center. We performed retrospective chart review for all patients who had nasal endoscopy, nasopharyngoscopy, and nasolaryngoscopy performed at the University of Florida Family Medicine Center over 3 years (n=89) with 5 additional years of follow up. We used descriptive statistics to evaluate indications, diagnoses, effectiveness of management by family medicine, and referral rate. The most common primary indications were hoarseness (n=33, 37%), chronic cough (n=20, 22%), nasal obstruction (n=9, 10%), and unilateral ear dysfunction (n=6, 7%). The most common primary diagnoses found were allergic rhinitis/postnasal drip (n=41, 46%), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; n=24, 27%), masses concerning for malignancy (n=4, 4.5%), true vocal cord (TVC) polyp (n=3, 3%), TVC nodules (n=3, 3%), and epistaxis (n=3, 3%). Of the four concerning masses, two were confirmed cancers (2%). In addition, there was one case (1%) of erythroleukoplakia with dysplasia of the TVC. Most patients had documented improvement with family medicine management (n=57, 64%) and another six (7%) had follow up without documentation of status and no need for referral. Thus, a total of 71% (n=64) did not require referral and 20% (n=18) needed specialist referral. Flexible nasal endoscopic procedures are effective in the care of patients in a family medicine residency center and can be safely performed and taught to residents.

Cognitive Mechanisms in Pediatric Voice Therapy – An Initial Examination

IntroductionVoice disorders are a common communication disorder in children. Behavioral voice therapy is recommended by both Otolaryngologists and Speech-Language Pathologists as a first-line approach for treatment of benign vocal fold lesions that affect children in large numbers. However, the role of cognitive mechanisms critical to voice therapy have not yet been explored. ObjectiveThis proof-of-concept study aims to provide preliminary data on the potential relation between cognitive abilities and behavioral results of voice therapy for children with benign phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions. MethodsSix children (4;05 –9;02 years) diagnosed with vocal fold nodules completed a battery of cognitive tests from the NEuroPSYchological (NEPSY-II) Assessment and a standard course of “Adventures in Voice” therapy. Recordings pre and post intervention were analyzed acoustically using the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID) and perceptually using visual analog scales (VAS) for severity and resonance separately. Raw and age-corrected scaled scores from the NEPSY-II were then examined for their possible relation to voice outcomes. ResultsMultiple cognitive functions correlated with voice outcomes. Raw score measures for Design Fluency, Inhibition, Fingertip Tapping, and Narrative Memory correlated favorably with all voice outcome measures. Age correlated with all NEPSY-II raw scores and perceptual voice outcome measures. Scaled scores for Auditory Attention, Design Fluency, Fingertip Tapping (Dominant hand), and Narrative Memory correlated with all voice outcome measures. ConclusionResults suggest that there is merit to further investigation of the relation between cognitive skills and their development and voice treatment outcomes in children with benign phonotraumatic lesions. Future studies with larger samples will build on present findings.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of steroid injection by benign vocal fold lesion type

Background Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) can cause voice changes, including reduced loudness and pitch range. In recent times, with progression in endoscopic technology, office-based vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI) has been used as an alternative therapy for BVFLs. Aims/objectives In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of VFSI to investigate the mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects and determine the conditions in which VFSI will be most effective. Materials and methods In this retrospective cohort study, we included 40 condition-matched patients (8 patients per lesion) with chorditis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, Reinke’s edema (RE), or vocal scars who received similar regimens of steroid injection using a commercial preparation of triamcinolone acetonide. Their phonological outcomes were evaluated 2 or 3 months after the injection. Results Significant improvements were observed in Voice Handicap Index scores, results of laboratory voice evaluation, and voice quality measured using the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain scale in all participants. In subgroup analysis, VFSI was highly effective against chorditis and vocal nodules, but less effective against RE and vocal scars. Conclusions Single-dose VFSI is valuable as an alternative to voice rehabilitation and laryngo-microsurgery, but higher concentrations or repeated injections are required for intractable lesions.

The Roles Played by Blood Inflammatory Parameters in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

The etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains unknown; inflammation may be one cause. We retrospectively studied SSHNL cases in terms of the inflammatory parameters involved. We reviewed 169 SSNHL cases. The control group contained 132 patients with vocal cord polyps. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level, CRP/serum albumin (Alb) ratio, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were compared between the 2 groups. The relationships between these parameters and the time to treatment after SSHNL onset, hearing level, and therapeutic effects were also analyzed. The CRP level, CRP/Alb ratio, and NLR were higher in SSNHL patients than in controls, but only the NLR differed significantly between the 2 groups. We found no significant differences between patients with different hearing levels, those evaluated at various times after SSNHL onset, and those with different outcomes. The NLR is a reliable SSNHL diagnostic marker. The CRP level and CRP/Alb ratio are not useful indicators.

Role of Laryngeal Ultrasonography in screening for laryngeal diseases in symptomatic patients

Abstract Background Laryngoscopy is widely considered the most appropriate tool for evaluating the larynx, however, it is invasive and not all patients can tolerate it. Although laryngeal ultrasound has been proposed as a promising noninvasive technique that can play an important role in laryngeal imaging, there is lack of consensus regarding its role. Objective The aim of this study is to assess laryngeal ultrasound sensitivity compared to indirect laryngoscopy in screening for laryngeal diseases in symptomatic patients. Patients and methods 30 undiagnosed symptomatic patients underwent laryngeal ultrasound and indirect laryngoscopy. Their results were compared. Results Technical success rate of laryngeal ultrasound was (83%). It showed overall sensitivity of (78.9%) in detecting organic laryngeal diseases with high sensitivity in detecting laryngeal masses, reinke’s edema, vocal cord cysts and polyps (100%), vocal cord palsy (83.3%), intermediate sensitivity for vocal cord nodules (66.7%), and poor sensitivity for laryngitis and non organic voice disorders (0%). Conclusion Laryngeal ultrasound is a useful non invasive imaging tool that can be used with acceptable sensitivity in detecting organic laryngeal diseases excluding laryngitis, hindered mainly by complete thyroid cartilage calcification in older males. Consequently we recommend its use as complementary to clinical examination and mirror laryngoscopy, or as an alternative to indirect laryngoscopy when required and in routine neck ultrasound exams when appropriate.

Use of Co2 Laser versus conventional microlaryngeal surgery in treatment of vocal fold benign lesions

Abstract Background Benign superficial lesions of vocal fold (nodule, polyp, cyst and Reinke's edema) arise from the epithelium and the lamina propria. Vocal abuse and misuse presumably lead to excessive mechanical stress and trauma in the membranous portion of vocal fold, resulting in wound formation. Wound healing leads to remodeling of the superficial layer of the lamina propria. This tissue remodeling leads to formation of benign vocal fold lesions. These lesions are classically treated by conventional microsurgery and recently by CO2 laser. The use of the CO2 laser for the surgical treatment of Minor Associated Pathological Lesions (MAPL's) is still controversial. Some preferred cold instruments, whereas others appreciate CO2 laser as a novel alternative to conventional microsurgery for benign vocal fold lesions. To summarize the reviewed literature the issue of CO2 laser versus cold instruments is still controversial and the stage is open for more studies. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Co2 Laser versus cold instruments in the treatment of benign lesions of the vocal folds regarding voice outcome &amp; vocal fold function. Methodology A meta-analysis study is done to assess the use of Co2 Laser versus conventional microlaryngeal surgery in treatment of vocal fold benign lesions. Results This study does not reveal any detectable differences in clinical outcomes in patients with nodules, polyps and cysts who underwent excision via CO2 laser or cold instruments. Conclusion There is no sufficient evidence to determine if conventional surgery or CO2 assisted surgery is better.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Office Laryngoscopy: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review aims to provide a broad overview of the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to office laryngoscopy to identify gaps in knowledge and guide future research. Scoping Review. Searches for studies on AI and office laryngoscopy were conducted in five databases. Title and abstract and then full-text screening were performed. Primary research studies published in English of any date were included. Studies were summarized by: AI applications, targeted conditions, imaging modalities, author affiliations, and dataset characteristics. Studies focused on vocal fold vibration analysis (43%), lesion recognition (24%), and vocal fold movement determination (19%). The most frequently automated tasks were recognition of vocal fold nodules (19%), polyp (14%), paralysis (11%), paresis (8%), and cyst (7%). Imaging modalities included high-speed laryngeal videos (45%), stroboscopy (29%), and narrow band imaging endoscopy (7%). The body of literature was primarily authored by science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) specialists (76%) with only 30 studies (31%) involving co-authorship by STEM specialists and otolaryngologists. Datasets were mostly from single institution (84%) and most commonly originated from Germany (23%), USA (16%), Spain (9%), Italy (8%), and China (8%). Demographic information was only reported in 39 studies (40%), with age and sex being the most commonly reported, whereas race/ethnicity and gender were not reported in any studies. More interdisciplinary collaboration between STEM and otolaryngology research teams improved demographic reporting especially of race and ethnicity to ensure broad representation, and larger and more geographically diverse datasets will be crucial to future research on AI in office laryngoscopy. NA Laryngoscope, 132:1993-2016, 2022.

Videolaryngoscopy Findings of the Vocal Health Program in Dysphonic Teachers in the Federal District, Brazil.

Introduction The high phonatory demand required of teachers is a direct cause of the onset of vocal symptoms and of the development of laryngeal disorders. Objective To describe the findings of the laryngeal screening performed as part of the Vocal Health Program held in the Federal Distrcit of Brazil in 2014 and 2015. Methods The study was performed with 361 dysphonic teachers from public schools who attended the laryngeal screening (videolaryngoscopy) part of the program. Data on anamnesis, the degree of dysphonia, the findings of the laryngeal screening, the referrals made after the laryngeal screening, and the result of the assessment of vocal aptitude for work were analyzed from the forms of each participating teacher. Results The sample of the present study ( N = 361) represents 18.23% of the 1,980 teachers that went through the vocal screening of the program in 2014 and 2015. In total, 98 (27.15%) teachers presented mild dysphonia, 221 (61.22%), moderate dysphonia, and 42, (11.63%) severe dysphonia. Regarding the laryngeal screening (videolaryngoscopy exam), 269 teachers (74.52%) presented laryngeal disorders, and the main ones found were vocal nodules (43.87%), signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux (37.17%), hourglass chink (18.22%), vascular dysgenesis (18.22%), midposterior triangular chink (9.67%), and double chink (8.55%). Conclusion Laryngeal screening through videolaryngoscopy and auditory-perceptual screening of the voice as part of vocal health programs are essential to define the diagnosis and therapeutic conduct for teachers with dysphonia. Together with intervention activities, continuing education and adequate and accessible treatment, the periodic evaluation of vocal health can contribute to reduce absenteeism and improve the quality of life and of the voice of teachers.

IMP3 Protein Overexpression Is Linked to Unfavorable Outcome in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Simple SummaryIMP3 expression was analyzed in patients with malignant (laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma), semi-malignant (dysplasia) and benign (nodules, polyps) laryngeal lesions and correlated with clinical characteristics. Higher IMP3 stains were particularly found in malignant laryngeal pathologies, which might be useful for differentiation between premalignant and malignant lesions. In laryngeal cancer patients, higher IMP3 expression was associated with positive neck nodes and worse disease-specific survival. Background: The aim of this study was to (i) determine IMP3 protein expression in benign and malignant laryngeal lesions, (ii) compare its expression to Ki-67, p53, cyclin D1, and (iii) finally, to examine the prognostic power of IMP3 in squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx (LSSC). Methods: IMP3 protein expression was evaluated in 145 patients, including 62 LSCC, 45 dysplasia (25 with low and 20 with high-grade dysplasia), and 38 benign lesions (vocal cord polyps and nodules). Results: IMP3 was significantly higher expressed in LSCC compared to dysplasia and benign lesions (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, higher expression patterns were observed for Ki-67 and p53, whereas cyclin D1 was equally distributed in all three lesions. IMP3 (p = 0.04) and Ki-67 (p = 0.02) expressions were significantly linked to neck node positivity, and IMP3 overexpression to worse disease-specific survival (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Since IMP3 showed significantly higher expression in laryngeal carcinomas, but not in high- or low-grade dysplasia, it serves as a useful marker to differentiate between invasive and noninvasive lesions. Higher IMP3 expression represented a significantly worse prognosticator for clinical outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Effects of Repeated Intracordal Glucocorticoid Injection on the Histology and Gene Expression of Rat Vocal Folds

Local injection of glucocorticoids (GCs) into the vocal folds has been used for treating the vocal fold lesions. While the positive effects on vocal fold nodules, polyps, or scarring have been clinically reported, some concern remains around the potential adverse effects such as vocal fold atrophy, and the mechanisms remain unclear. The present study examined the histology and gene expression of locally injected GC into the vocal folds in rats. Thirteen-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the experiments. Triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) or saline were administered repeatedly to the right vocal folds at a weekly interval, and rats were euthanized one week after the last administration for histological examination. Genetic examination was assessed hyaluronic acid (HA) metabolism at 1 or 3 days after a single TAA injection by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The group which underwent four TAA injections showed a significant decrease in HA in the lamina propria (LP), thickness of the LP and total cell numbers of the LP compared with the saline group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the area of collagen accumulation and the thyroarytenoid muscle, although there was a tendency of atrophy of the muscle. After single injection of TAA, qRT-PCR showed a significant decrease in the expression of HA synthases, Has2 and Has3. The current animal study first demonstrates that repeated intracordal injection of GCs may lead to atrophy of vocal folds caused by decrease of deposition of HA in the LP and decrease of gene expression of Has.