Scaling Voice Activity Limitation and Participation Restriction in Dysphonic Individuals

The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate scaling procedure for evaluating voice activity limitation (AL) and voice participation restriction (PR). In a randomly counterbalanced design, 32 dysphonic individuals rated their self-perceived extents of voice AL and PR using two scaling procedures [equal-appearing interval (EAI) scaling and visual analogue (VA) scaling]. Results revealed that test-retest reliabilities were similar for the two scaling procedures. The overall extents of voice AL and PR obtained from the two scaling procedures were similar. Moreover, the significant linear relationships obtained between the EAI and VA data of voice AL and PR suggest both dimensions as metathetic in nature. Therefore, either EAI or VA scaling procedure would be considered as appropriate for rating voice AL and PR. However, the relative ease to use by consumers favours the choice of EAI over VA scaling procedure for evaluating voice AL and PR.

[Contact granuloma of the larynx]

The authors analyse the results of clinical examination of patients with contact granuloma of the larynx treated in Moscow and Erlangen (Germany) clinics. Etiology, pathogenesis of this disease and treatment policy are discussed.

[Voice disorders in recurrent laryngeal granuloma dependend on GERD]

The voice disorders in a case of recurrent laryngeal granuloma with chronic gastroesophageal reflux was described. There was emphasized necessity of complex treatment pharmacological and phoniatric, as well as there were pointed out some indications of microsurgery.

Pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma with laryngeal and subcutaneous involvement: report of a case successfully treated with glucocorticoids

We report a case of pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma (PHG) with laryngeal and subcutaneous involvement. A 43-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for assessment of hoarseness. Cervical and chest computed tomography, respectively, revealed a laryngeal tumor and two pulmonary masses. Specimens obtained from the pulmonary masses were compatible with PHG. The histopathology of biopsy specimens from both the laryngeal tumor and a subcutaneous tumor resembled that of the resected lung masses. Although there is no established treatment for PHG, the laryngeal tumor was diminished and all other lesions disappeared with glucocorticoid treatment.

[Two cases of unknown aetiology oedema-hypertrophy changes in the larynx]

We have described two cases of oedema and hypertrophic changes of the larynx which cause remains unknown. We have shown in our paper diagnostic difficulties connected with these cases. A brief review of the literature is presented. The oedema and hypertrophic changes might be connected with inhalations of marijuana smoke.

Extraesophageal reflux in patients with contact granuloma: a prospective controlled study

The aim of this study was to compare the incidences of extraesophageal reflux in patients with contact granuloma and healthy controls. A 24-hour ambulatory pH monitoring technique was used to measure reflux parameters in the pharynx and distal esophagus. Pharyngeal acid reflux events occurred in 17 of 26 granuloma patients (1 to 20 episodes per patient) and 5 of 19 controls (1 to 8 episodes per subject). The reflux episodes were typically short and occurred predominantly in an upright position. A comparison between the groups showed a significant difference in the number of pharyngeal reflux episodes (p = .009) and in the total time of pH below 4 (p = .006). On the other hand, we found no significant differences in any esophageal reflux parameters, except for the percentage of distal esophageal reflux episodes that reached the pharynx (p = .006). In this study, pharyngeal acid exposure was significantly more prevalent in patients with contact granuloma than in healthy controls.

Gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in patients with contact granuloma: a prospective controlled study

The aim of this study was to compare the incidences of gastroesophagopharyngeal reflux in patients with contact granuloma and healthy controls. A 24-hour ambulatory esophagopharyngeal pH monitoring technique was used to measure reflux parameters in the pharynx and distal esophagus. Pharyngeal acid reflux events occurred in 17 of 26 granuloma patients (1 to 20 episodes per patient) and 5 of 19 controls (1 to 8 episodes per patient). The reflux episodes were typically short and occurred predominantly in an upright position. A comparison between the groups showed a significant difference in the number of pharyngeal reflux episodes (p = .009) and in the total time of pH below 4 (p = .006). On the other hand, we found no significant differences in any esophageal reflux parameters, except for the percentage of distal esophageal reflux episodes that reached the pharynx (p = .006). In this study, pharyngeal acid exposure was significantly more prevalent in patients with contact granuloma than in healthy controls.

Oro-facial granulomatosis: a laryngeal presentation

We report the first case of oro-facial granulomatosis (OFG) presenting in pregnancy with laryngeal manifestations.

Anesthesia for an achondroplastic dwarf with bilateral vocal cord granuloma: use of a Xomed Hunsaker Mon-Jet ventilation tube

Technological advances have greatly improved the management of the patient undergoing microlaryngeal surgery. The use of a laser, high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), total intravenous anesthetic techniques (TIVA), and specially designed endotracheal tubes (Xomed Hunsaker Mon-Jet ventilation tube [Xomed Surgical Products, Jacksonville, FL]) are recognized as cutting edge approaches to the management of these cases. The use of high technology adjuncts requires considerable skill and knowledge from the perspective of the anesthesia provider. This case report describes an approach to anesthetic management for a patient with a history of achondroplastic dwarfism having laser excision of bilateral vocal cord granulomas. Further increasing the complexity of the case was the surgical use of an autogenous tissue glue, which required a period of 'airway silence' during the application process.

Nonspecific laryngeal granuloma: a case study of a professional singer

A professional singer with laryngeal granuloma underwent surgery following failed response to conservative treatments. Two primary findings emerged. First, although a sizable lesion was present initially, presurgical voice measures were largely normal or superior. The exception was elevated phonatory effort during singing. Second, postsurgical voice functions were entirely normal or superior (including phonatory effort), despite demanding singing performances a few weeks following surgery. The results add to the limited corpus of quantitative, normative-referenced data on voice in patients with granulomas and are inconsistent with previous reports of voice abnormalities in such patients and poor functional response to surgery.

Surgical management of cicatricial post-scleromatous sub-glottic stenosis

In Egypt, sub-glottic stenosis is commonly caused by scleromatous affection. The countries in which scleroma is endemic have been reviewed. The incidence of scleroma, laryngeal scleroma, and sub-glottic affection, and their sex ratios have been discussed. Radiological study of the sub-glottic extension has been done. The operative procedures are detailed and the results are presented. The use of the Montgomery T-tube is an essential part of all these operations. The excision of scar tissue from the sub-glottic region was done in children, and this accords with recent trends. Twenty cases have been operated upon, with airway improvement in all of them.