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Loomis-Goltl EI, Power SJ, Neuberger I, Barhaghi K, Kotlarek KJ. Examining Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Structures in Premature Infants: A Window Into the Womb. J Craniofac Surg 2024:00001665-990000000-01711. [PMID: 38864619 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000010390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very little is known about how the velopharynx and levator veli palatini muscle develop in utero. The purpose of this study was to describe craniofacial, velopharyngeal, and levator veli palatini dimensions in a group of infants born prematurely and imaged before 40 weeks gestation. METHODS A retrospective, descriptive study design was utilized to examine the MRI scans of 6 infants less than 40 weeks' gestation. Imaging was initially completed for medically necessity and pulled from patients' charts retrospectively for the purpose of this study. Craniofacial, velopharyngeal, and levator veli palatini dimensions were analyzed. RESULTS All linear measures were consistently shorter across all variable categories. While effective VP ratio was less favorable for speech in infants under 40 weeks' gestation, angle measures such as LVP angle of origin, NSB angle, SNA angle, and SNB angle were relatively unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Linear craniofacial, VP, and LVP variables tend to be smaller in infants under 40 weeks' gestation than those reported within the first 6 months of life while angulation is relatively similar. Future research in this area may be relevant to better diagnosis of craniofacial conditions in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilana Neuberger
- University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Perry JL, Snodgrass TD, Gilbert IR, Sutton BP, Baylis AL, Weidler EM, Tse RW, Ishman SL, Sitzman TJ. Establishing a Clinical Protocol for Velopharyngeal MRI and Interpreting Imaging Findings. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2024; 61:748-758. [PMID: 36448363 PMCID: PMC10243551 DOI: 10.1177/10556656221141188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional imaging modalities used to assess velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) do not allow for direct visualization of underlying velopharyngeal (VP) structures and musculature which could impact surgical planning. This limitation can be overcome via structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the only current imaging tool that provides direct visualization of salient VP structures. MRI has been used extensively in research; however, it has had limited clinical use. Factors that restrict clinical use of VP MRI include limited access to optimized VP MRI protocols and uncertainty regarding how to interpret VP MRI findings. The purpose of this paper is to outline a framework for establishing a novel VP MRI scan protocol and to detail the process of interpreting scans of the velopharynx at rest and during speech tasks. Additionally, this paper includes common scan parameters needed to allow for visualization of velopharynx and techniques for the elicitation of speech during scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Perry
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Taylor D Snodgrass
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Imani R Gilbert
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Bradley P Sutton
- Bioengineering Department, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Adriane L Baylis
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erica M Weidler
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Raymond W Tse
- Division of Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stacey L Ishman
- Division of HealthVine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thomas J Sitzman
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Mason KN. Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessing Velopharyngeal Function: Current Applications, Barriers, and Potential for Future Clinical Translation in the United States. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2024; 61:235-246. [PMID: 36039513 PMCID: PMC9971336 DOI: 10.1177/10556656221123916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment process for children with cleft/craniofacial conditions remains uncommon, particularly for velopharyngeal assessments. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceived clinical utility of MRI for cleft/craniofacial providers and identify barriers that exist for clinical translation of this imaging modality to this population of patients. METHODS A 38-item survey was disseminated to craniofacial team providers. Workplace context and demographics, MRI as a research and clinical tool, access and barriers for use of MRI, and needs for successfully establishing MRI protocols at clinical sites were investigated. Descriptive statistics were used to identify differences in the clinical use of MRI across disciplines. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine how different specialties perceived potential barriers. RESULTS Respondents reported that MRI is likely to be beneficial for clinical assessments (93.5%) and that this imaging modality is available for use (83.8%). However, only 11.8% of providers indicated the use of MRI in their clinical assessments. This discrepancy highlights a potential disconnect between perceived use and implementation of this imaging methodology on cleft and craniofacial teams. A number of barriers were identified by providers. Challenges and opportunities for clinical translation of MRI protocols were highlighted. CONCLUSION Results may guide the development for improved clinical feasibility and implementation of MRI for clinical planning in this population of patients. Reported barriers highlight additional areas for translational research and the potential for the development of clinical tools related to MRI assessment and protocol implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazlin N. Mason
- Department of Human Services, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
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Mason KN, Hanson B, Black JS. Measurement Matters: MRI Analysis of Differing Anatomic Measurement Techniques for Velar Length and the Velopharyngeal Needs Ratio. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5617. [PMID: 38375369 PMCID: PMC10876255 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Advances in imaging tools provide opportunities to enhance how velopharyngeal (VP) variables are quantified to facilitate surgical decisions. The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if quantitative differences were present between measures of linear and curvilinear velar length, and subsequently, the VP needs ratio. Methods Data were prospectively collected from patients presenting with repaired cleft palate and/or congenital palatal insufficiency with or without VPI at a single center tertiary children's hospital. Quantitative measures of the velopharynx using a novel nonsedated MRI protocol were obtained. Paired samples t tests were conducted to assess if differences were present between the VP needs ratio and measurements of linear and curvilinear velar length at rest and during sustained phonation. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess intra/inter-rater reliability. Results Significant differences were present between measurements of linear and curvilinear velar length at rest (P ≤ 0.001) and during sustained phonation (P ≤ 0.001). Significant differences were also present in the VP needs ratio (P ≤ 0.001). Curvilinear velar length at rest and during sustained phonation was longer than that of linear velar length at rest and during sustained phonation. No significant differences were observed between measures of effective velar length (P = 0.393). Conclusions Measurement differences influence the VP needs ratio. This may have implications for comparisons to previously reported normative reference values and for those who are anatomically at risk for VPI. MRI provides an enhanced imaging modality to assess normative benchmarks and the anatomic variables used to define VP anatomy for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazlin N. Mason
- From the Department of Human Services, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Bailey Hanson
- From the Department of Human Services, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Jonathan S. Black
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Va
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Perry JL, Schleif E, Fang XM, Briley PM, McCarlie VW. Can Velopharyngeal MRI be Used in Individuals with Orthodontic Devices? Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2023:10556656231194511. [PMID: 37554050 DOI: 10.1177/10556656231194511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of common pediatric orthodontic appliances on velopharyngeal (VP) MRI and to compare MR image sequences to determine if sequence parameters impact the visibility of key VP structures commonly assessed in clinical VP MRI. DESIGN Participants undergoing orthodontic treatment completed a VP MRI study. Level of distortion caused by orthodontic devices on 8 anatomical sites of interest and using variable MRI sequences was evaluated. SETTING Single institution. PARTICIPANTS Nineteen participants undergoing orthodontic treatment. MAIN OUTCOME Level of distortion caused by metal artifacts and MR sequence used. RESULTS The results of this study demonstrate that appliances such as hyrax palatal expanders and braces with stainless steel brackets are acceptable for a VP MRI, while class II corrector springs are not recommended. The HASTE MRI sequence with 2D imaging techniques should be utilized if the child has orthodontic devices, while FSE and 3D imaging techniques are not recommended. The presence of wire spring coils and molar bands are likely to not to interfere with the MRI evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest that the presence of orthodontic appliances does not hinder visualization of all velopharyngeal structures during an MRI. Therefore, careful consideration must be made prior to disqualifying or recommending patients for VP MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Perry
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | | | - Xiang Ming Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Patrick M Briley
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - V Wallace McCarlie
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Division or Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Power S, Kotlarek KJ. An Exploratory Investigation of the Palatoglossus Muscle in Children Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:4151-4158. [PMID: 36283682 PMCID: PMC9940889 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is currently little evidence reporting the typical morphology of the palatoglossus (PG) muscle. The primary purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods used to quantify the morphology of the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle can be applied to the PG. The secondary purpose is to provide preliminary data regarding the relationship between the LVP and PG muscles in children. METHOD Ten children between ages of 4 and 7 years participated in this study. Each participant was scanned using a nonsedated, child-friendly protocol with a T2-weighted, three-dimensional anatomical scan to obtain images of the oropharyngeal anatomy. Custom, oblique-coronal image planes were created to visualize and measure the LVP and PG muscles in their entirety from origin to insertion. Thermo Scientific Amira Software was used to obtain 2D measurements of PG muscle length, width, velar insertion distance, lingual insertion distance, and several angle measurements. RESULTS The PG ranged from 17.95 to 26.96 mm in length across participants. Velar insertion distance ranged from 17.22 to 30.95 mm. Lingual insertion distance ranged from 26.91 to 36.02 mm. Width ranged from 2.32 to 3.08 mm. The angle formed by the PG and LVP muscle planes ranged from 7.3° to 52.7°. The LVP insertion angle ranged from 42.5° to 75.9°. The PG insertion angle ranged from 16.9° to 52.3°. CONCLUSIONS MRI was successful in visualizing the PG muscle. The PG was consistent in size and shape within an individual participant but varied across the participant cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Power
- Division of Communication Disorders, University of Wyoming, Laramie
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Kotlarek KJ, Levene S, Piccorelli AV, Barhaghi K, Neuberger I. Growth Effects on Velopharyngeal Anatomy Within the First 2 Years of Life. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:3365-3376. [PMID: 36001858 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited quantitative data exist regarding growth of the velopharynx within the first 2 years of life. The purpose of this study was to (a) quantify changes in velopharyngeal structures due to growth during the first 2 years of life, (b) examine the impact of sex and race within this age range, and (c) provide normative measures for comparison to individuals with cleft palate. METHOD/DESCRIPTION A retrospective chart review was completed of all patients up to 24 months of age that underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the head for medical necessity within the past 18 months using a three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence. Measurements of the velopharynx were obtained from 200 scans consistent with previous literature. Participants were divided into five groups based on corrected age for comparison. Variables of interest included adenoid depth, angle of origin, effective velopharyngeal ratio, effective velar length, levator veli palatini length, origin-origin distance, pharyngeal depth, sagittal angle, velopharyngeal ratio, velar insertion distance, velar length, and velar thickness. RESULTS Velopharyngeal dimensions were significantly different among corrected age groups after controlling for sex and race. Regarding age, analyses revealed significant differences in all variables of interest except effective velopharyngeal ratio. Regarding sex, significant differences were observed for angle of origin, effective velopharyngeal ratio, effective velar length, levator veli palatini muscle length, and velar insertion distance. Regarding race, a significant difference was only observed for angle of origin. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study demonstrate growth of velopharyngeal anatomy in normative infants with race and sex effects apparent in children up to 24 months of age. Variable growth trends were observed among different velopharyngeal measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sierra Levene
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | | | - Krystle Barhaghi
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ilana Neuberger
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
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Perry JL, Haenssler AE, Kotlarek KJ, Fang X, Middleton S, Mason R, Kuehn DP. A Midsagittal-View Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of the Growth and Involution of the Adenoid Mass and Related Changes in Selected Velopharyngeal Structures. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:1282-1293. [PMID: 35239427 PMCID: PMC9499359 DOI: 10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils, consist of a pad of lymphoid tissue, located on the posterior pharyngeal wall of the nasopharynx. During childhood, the adenoid pad serves as a contact site for the soft palate to assist with velopharyngeal closure during oral speech. During adenoidal involution, most children are able to maintain appropriate velopharyngeal closure necessary for normal speech resonance. The purpose of this study is to determine age-related trends of normal adenoid growth and involution from infancy through adulthood. METHOD/DESCRIPTION Lateral view magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze velopharyngeal variables among 270 participants, between 3 months and 34 years of age. The velopharyngeal measures of interest included velar length, effective velar length, pharyngeal depth, adenoid height, adenoid thickness, adenoid depth, and adenoid area. Participants were divided into four age groups for statistical comparison. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference (p < .05) in all linear and area measurements between the four age groups. Adenoid depth reached peak growth at age 4 years, whereas adenoid height and adenoid thickness peaked at 8 years of age. Qualitatively, adenoid growth progresses in an anterior and inferior direction whereas involution occurs in a posterior and superior direction. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the knowledge of time specific changes across an age span for adenoid growth and involution and presents a visualization of the shape and growth trends of adenoids. A new sequence of involution is reported beginning first with adenoid depth, followed by adenoid height at a slightly faster rate than adenoid thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L. Perry
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Abigail E. Haenssler
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | | | - Xiangming Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Shea Middleton
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Robert Mason
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - David P. Kuehn
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign
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Schenck GC, Perry JL, O'Gara MM, Linde AM, Grasseschi MF, Wood RJ, Lacey MS, Fang X. Velopharyngeal Muscle Morphology in Children With Unrepaired Submucous Cleft Palate: An Imaging Study. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2020; 58:313-323. [PMID: 32909827 DOI: 10.1177/1055665620954749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify quantitative and qualitative differences in the velopharyngeal musculature and surrounding structures between children with submucous cleft palate (SMCP) and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) and noncleft controls with normal anatomy and normal speech. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate the velopharyngeal mechanism in 20 children between 4 and 9 years of age; 5 with unrepaired SMCP and VPI. Quantitative and qualitative measures of the velum and levator veli palatini in participants with symptomatic SMCP were compared to noncleft controls with normal velopharyngeal anatomy and normal speech. RESULTS Analysis of covariance revealed that children with symptomatic SMCP demonstrated increased velar genu angle (15.6°, P = .004), decreased α angle (13.2°, P = .37), and longer (5.1 mm, P = .32) and thinner (4 mm, P = .005) levator veli palatini muscles compared to noncleft controls. Qualitative comparisons revealed discontinuity of the levator muscle through the velar midline and absence of a musculus uvulae in children with symptomatic SMCP compared to noncleft controls. CONCLUSIONS The levator veli palatini muscle is longer, thinner, and discontinuous through the velar midline, and the musculus uvulae is absent in children with SMCP and VPI compared to noncleft controls. The overall velar configuration in children with SMCP and VPI is disadvantageous for achieving adequate velopharyngeal closure necessary for nonnasal speech compared to noncleft controls. These findings add to the body of literature documenting levator muscle, musculus uvulae, and velar and craniometric parameters in children with SMCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Schenck
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapies, 20731Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, MN, USA.,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA
| | - Jamie L Perry
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Allied Health Sciences, 3627East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Mary M O'Gara
- Department of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, 24183Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy Morgan Linde
- 174539Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.,Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, 174539Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Mitchell F Grasseschi
- Department of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, 24183Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert J Wood
- Department of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, 3605Banner Health System, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Martin S Lacey
- Department of Plastic Surgery, 20731Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, MN, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xiangming Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Allied Health Sciences, 3627East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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