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Ugeskrift For Laeger Nov 2022Injection augmentation of the vocal cords is a recognized treatment modality in patients with glottal closure deficiency caused by paresis or paralysis of the vocal... (Review)
Review
Injection augmentation of the vocal cords is a recognized treatment modality in patients with glottal closure deficiency caused by paresis or paralysis of the vocal cord. The treatment can improve voice quality and also quality of life. It is preferable to minimize waiting time for the procedure for patients with lung cancer and mediastinal involvement, because the one-year mortality is above 40%, as argued in this review.
Topics: Humans; Vocal Cords; Quality of Life; Mediastinum; Lung Neoplasms; Palliative Care
PubMed: 36426831
DOI: No ID Found -
American Family Physician Nov 2021Vocal cord dysfunction (i.e., vocal cords closing when they should be opening, particularly during inspiration) should be suspected in patients presenting with... (Review)
Review
Vocal cord dysfunction (i.e., vocal cords closing when they should be opening, particularly during inspiration) should be suspected in patients presenting with inspiratory stridor or wheezing; sudden, severe dyspnea (without hypoxia, tachypnea, or increased work of breathing); throat or chest tightness; and anxiety, particularly in females. Common triggers include exercise, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, postnasal drip, upper or lower respiratory tract infection, and irritants. Nasolaryngoscopy and pulmonary function testing, with provocative exercise and methacholine, can help diagnose vocal cord dysfunction and are helpful to evaluate for other etiologies. Conditions that can trigger vocal cord dysfunction should be optimally treated, particularly asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and postnasal drip, while avoiding potential irritants. Therapeutic breathing maneuvers and vocal cord relaxation techniques are first-line therapy for dyspnea that occurs with vocal cord dysfunction. A subset of vocal cord dysfunction leads to dysphonia, as opposed to dyspnea, secondary to abnormal laryngeal muscle spasms (vocal cord closure is less severe). OnabotulinumtoxinA injections may be helpful for spasmodic dysphonia and for treating dyspnea in certain cases, although evidence is limited.
Topics: Airway Management; Humans; Laryngoscopy; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Therapy; Speech Therapy; Vocal Cord Dysfunction; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 34783512
DOI: No ID Found -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Oct 2020The larynx and vocal folds sit at the crossroad between digestive and respiratory tracts and fulfill multiple functions related to breathing, protection and phonation.... (Review)
Review
The larynx and vocal folds sit at the crossroad between digestive and respiratory tracts and fulfill multiple functions related to breathing, protection and phonation. They develop at the head and trunk interface through a sequence of morphogenetic events that require precise temporo-spatial coordination. We are beginning to understand some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie critical processes such as specification of the laryngeal field, epithelial lamina formation and recanalization as well as the development and differentiation of mesenchymal cell populations. Nevertheless, many gaps remain in our knowledge, the filling of which is essential for understanding congenital laryngeal disorders and the evaluation and treatment approaches in human patients. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the laryngeal embryogenesis. Proposed genes and signaling pathways that are critical for the laryngeal development have a potential to be harnessed in the field of regenerative medicine.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Humans; Laryngeal Diseases; Larynx; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; SOXB1 Transcription Factors; Signal Transduction; Thyroid Nuclear Factor 1; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 32253462
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03506-x -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal May 2022To evaluate the characteristics of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with different hypertrophic laryngeal diseases and to explore the relationship between LPR...
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the characteristics of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with different hypertrophic laryngeal diseases and to explore the relationship between LPR and these diseases.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed. The clinical data of 154 patients were collected. According to their diagnoses, patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included 49 patients with vocal cord polyps. Group 2 contained 52 patients with vocal cord leukoplakia. Group 3 included 53 patients with laryngeal carcinoma. The reflux symptom indexes (RSIs), reflux finding scores (RFSs), and Ryan scores of all patients were evaluated and compared.
RESULTS
Patients with vocal cord polyps were the youngest of the 3 groups, and those with laryngeal carcinoma were the oldest. A male preponderance emerged in each group. In total, 128 patients (83.12%) had positive RSI/RFS values and 60 (60/146, 41.1%) patients had positive Ryan scores. The positive RSI/RFS rates of both groups 1 and 2 (89.80% and 92.16%, respectively) were significantly higher than that of group 3 (69.81%). Moreover, the positive Ryan score rates in both groups 1 and 2 (39.58% and 53.85%, respectively) were significantly higher than that of group 3 (28.26%).
CONCLUSIONS
Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs in many patients with vocal cord polyps, vocal cord leukoplakia, and vocal cord carcinoma, indicating that LPR may be important in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs more common in patients with vocal cord polyps and leukoplakia and less common in those with laryngeal carcinoma, suggesting the role of LPR on these diseases may be different.
Topics: Carcinoma; Humans; Laryngeal Diseases; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Leukoplakia; Male; Polyps; Retrospective Studies; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 32865459
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320953232 -
Anaesthesia Sep 2022Numerous studies support the idea that neuromuscular blockade facilitates facemask ventilation after induction of anaesthesia. Although improved airway patency or... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Numerous studies support the idea that neuromuscular blockade facilitates facemask ventilation after induction of anaesthesia. Although improved airway patency or pulmonary compliance and a resolution of laryngospasm have been suggested as possible causes, the exact mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether neuromuscular blockade improves facemask ventilation and to clarify whether this phenomenon is associated with the vocal cord angle. This prospective observational study included patients aged between 20 and 65 years scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. After induction of anaesthesia, patients' lungs were ventilated with pressure-controlled ventilation using a facemask. During facemask ventilation, a flexible bronchoscope was inserted through a self-sealing diaphragm at the elbow connector attached to the facemask and breathing circuit and positioned to allow a continuous view of the vocal cords. The mean tidal volume and vocal cord angle were measured before and after administration of neuromuscular blocking drugs. Of 108 patients, 100 completed the study. Mean (SD) tidal volume ((11.0 (3.9) ml.kg vs. 13.6 (2.6) ml.kg ; p < 0.001) and mean (SD) vocal cord angle (17° (10°) vs. 26° (5°); p < 0.001) increased significantly after neuromuscular blockade. The proportional increase in mean tidal volume after neuromuscular blockade was positively correlated with vocal cord angle (Spearman's ρ = 0.803; p < 0.001). In conclusion, neuromuscular blockade facilitated facemask ventilation, and the improvement was correlated with further opening of the vocal cords.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anesthesia, General; Humans; Lung; Masks; Middle Aged; Neuromuscular Blockade; Vocal Cords; Young Adult
PubMed: 35727620
DOI: 10.1111/anae.15786 -
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews Feb 2022It is estimated that almost one-third of the United States population will be affected by a vocal fold (VF) disorder during their lifespan. Promising therapies to treat... (Review)
Review
It is estimated that almost one-third of the United States population will be affected by a vocal fold (VF) disorder during their lifespan. Promising therapies to treat VF injury and scarring are mostly centered on VF tissue engineering strategies such as the injection of engineered biomaterials and cell therapy. VF tissue engineering, however, is a challenging field as the biomechanical properties, structure, and composition of the VF tissue change upon exposure to mechanical stimulation. As a result, the development of long-term VF treatment strategies relies on the characterization of engineered tissues under a controlled mechanical environment. In this review, we highlight the importance of bioreactors as a powerful tool for VF tissue engineering with a focus on the current state of the art of bioreactors designed to mimic phonation We discuss the influence of the phonatory environment on the development, function, injury, and healing of the VF tissue and its importance for the development of efficient therapeutic strategies. A concise and comprehensive overview of bioreactor designs, principles, operating parameters, and scalability are presented. An in-depth analysis of VF bioreactor data to date reveals that mechanical stimulation significantly influences cell viability and the expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes . Although the precision and accuracy of bioreactors contribute to generating reliable results, diverse gene expression profiles across the literature suggest that future efforts should focus on the standardization of bioreactor parameters to enable direct comparisons between studies. Impact statement We present a comprehensive review of bioreactors for vocal fold (VF) tissue engineering with a focus on the influence of the phonatory environment on the development, function, injury, and healing of the VFs and the importance of mimicking phonation on engineered VF tissues . Furthermore, we put forward a strong argument for the continued development of bioreactors in this area with an emphasis on the standardization of bioreactor designs, principles, operating parameters, and oscillatory regimes to enable comparisons between studies.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Bioreactors; Cicatrix; Humans; Tissue Engineering; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 33446061
DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0285 -
HNO Jan 2022Prolonged ulcerative laryngitis is a rare, benign inflammatory alteration of the larynx that persists for months. The laryngoscopic findings suggest a malignant... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prolonged ulcerative laryngitis is a rare, benign inflammatory alteration of the larynx that persists for months. The laryngoscopic findings suggest a malignant process and can therefore be a challenge for the treating ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician.
OBJECTIVES
Presentation of the current database to provide an overview of the etiology, progress and treatment for everyday clinical practice.
METHODS
Three case studies from the Department of Phoniatrics and Speech Pathology of the ENT Department, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, are presented. Analysis and discussion of the current literature base and of case reports in the English literature.
RESULTS
The etiology and predisposing factors for this disease are unclear. Previous respiratory infection with cough and dysphonia seems to be the most common cause. Biopsies should be avoided.
CONCLUSIONS
The typical laryngoscopic findings show corresponding circumscribed lancet-shaped ulcerations in the middle third of the vocal fold. The course of the disease appears to be self-limiting and without permanent structural consequences. Therefore, good patient education and close laryngoscopic follow-up should be performed.
Topics: Dysphonia; Hoarseness; Humans; Laryngitis; Laryngoscopy; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 34170335
DOI: 10.1007/s00106-021-01079-0 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2023Sulcus vocalis (SV) is a longitudinal groove in the free edge of the true vocal cord. It may impair phonation with incomplete glottic closure, phonasthenia and...
BACKGROUND
Sulcus vocalis (SV) is a longitudinal groove in the free edge of the true vocal cord. It may impair phonation with incomplete glottic closure, phonasthenia and hoarseness. This study aims to detect a correlation between benign vocal cord lesions and the incidence of the SV.
METHODS
A retrospective study was carried out on patients who underwent transoral surgery due to benign vocal fold lesions and were selected according to strict criteria. Patients were divided into a group with sulcus vocalis (Group wSV) and a group without sulcus vocalis (Group w/oSV). The possible correlations between variables were assessed by the Pearson chi-square test ( < 0.05).
RESULTS
The study included 232 vocal cord lesions in 229 patients: 62.88% were females whose mean age was 46.61 ± 14.04. The most frequent diseases were polyps (37.94%), nodules (18.53%) and Reinke's edema (21.12%). Statistically significant relationships were found between age and SV (-value 0.0005) and between mild dysplasia and SV (-value 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
This study did not detect a cause-effect relationship between SV and benign vocal fold lesions. SV within vocal fold lesions is more common in younger patients, suggesting a congenital nature of SV. In conclusion, in the case of a benign vocal fold lesion, a possible SV should be considered and researched to provide the patient the best healthcare.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Vocal Cords; Laryngeal Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Phonation; Polyps
PubMed: 37174173
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095654 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2022The human voice carries socially relevant information such as how authoritative, dominant, and attractive the speaker sounds. However, some speakers may be able to...
The human voice carries socially relevant information such as how authoritative, dominant, and attractive the speaker sounds. However, some speakers may be able to manipulate listeners by modulating the shape and size of their vocal tract to exaggerate certain characteristics of their voice. We analysed the veridical size of speakers' vocal tracts using real-time magnetic resonance imaging as they volitionally modulated their voice to sound larger or smaller, corresponding changes to the size implied by the acoustics of their voice, and their influence over the perceptions of listeners. Individual differences in this ability were marked, spanning from nearly incapable to nearly perfect vocal modulation, and was consistent across modalities of measurement. Further research is needed to determine whether speakers who are effective at vocal size exaggeration are better able to manipulate their social environment, and whether this variation is an inherited quality of the individual, or the result of life experiences such as vocal training.
Topics: Auditory Perception; Humans; Individuality; Life Change Events; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Phonetics; Social Environment; Sound; Speech Acoustics; Speech Perception; Vocal Cords; Voice
PubMed: 35173178
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05170-6