Comparative study of left vertebral artery revascularization in patients with and without aberrant left vertebral anatomy

OBJECTIVE

Left vertebral artery revascularization is indicated in surgery involving zone 2 of the aortic arch and is typically accomplished indirectly via subclavian artery revascularization. For aberrant left vertebral anatomy, direct revascularization is indicated. Our objective was to compare the outcomes of direct vertebral artery revascularization with indirect subclavian artery revascularization for treating aortic arch pathology and to identify predictors of mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital, including patients who underwent open or endovascular vertebral artery revascularization from 2005 to 2022. Those who underwent direct vertebral revascularization were compared with those who were indirectly revascularized via subclavian artery revascularization. The outcomes of interest were a composite outcome (any of death, stroke, nerve injury, and thrombosis) and mortality. Univariate logistic regression models were fitted to quantify the strength of differences between the direct and indirect revascularization cohorts. Cox regression was used to identify mortality predictors.

RESULTS

Of 143 patients who underwent vertebral artery revascularization, 21 (14.7%) had a vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch. The median length of stay was 10 days (interquartile range, 6-20 days), and demographics were similar between cohorts. The incidence of composite outcome, bypass thrombosis, and hoarseness was significantly higher in the direct group (42.9% vs 18.0%, P = .019; 33.3% vs 0.8%, P < .0001; 57.1% vs 18.0%, P < .001, respectively). The direct group was approximately three times more likely to experience the composite outcome (odds ratio, 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.28, 9.08); similarly, this group was approximately six times more likely to have hoarseness (odds ratio, 5.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.21, 15.62). There was no significant difference in mortality rates at 30 days, 1, 3, 5, and 10 years of follow-up. Age, length of hospital stay, and congestive heart failure were identified as predictors of higher mortality. After adjusting for these covariates, the group itself was not an independent predictor of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct vertebral revascularization was associated with higher rates of composite outcome (death, stroke, nerve injury, and thrombosis), bypass thrombosis and hoarseness. Patients with aberrant vertebral anatomy are at higher risks of these complications compared with patients with standard arch anatomy. However, after adjusting for other factors, mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups.

An unusual cause of hemoptysis and hoarseness due to live leech in the glottis: case report

We performed laryngoscopy on a patient with symptoms such as hoarseness, hemoptysis, cough and intermittent dyspnea, and took out a brown-black foreign body—living leech in the glottis area, no such case has been reported before.

[Thyroid cartilage fracture following sneezing as a cause of spontaneous pneumomediastinum]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible etiological factors of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and to describe a case that was unusual in its etiology: a thyroid cartilage fracture as a result of sneezing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six patients (four male, two female, aged 16-82 years) were hospitalized with spontaneous pneumomediastinum diagnosed with a chest X-ray in five patients and 100% with computed tomography. Treatment was symptomatic.

RESULTS

The commonest symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness) were in four patients. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum developed in three cases as a result of bronchospasm during an attack of bronchial asthma, in one patient after exercise, in one after fibrogastroscopy, in one after sneezing. We report a 30-year-old man who presenting subcutaneous emphysema on the neck, hoarseness, pain when swallowing, hemoptysis developed after sneezing. His computed tomography revealed a pneumomediastinum due to fistula of the fracture of the thyroid cartilage following sneezing while simultaneously obstructing both nostrils. At laryngoscopy, there was a linear hematoma in the resolution stage on the anterior wall of the larynx. He was treated conservatively and recovered rapidly. There are no previous published reports of spontaneous pneumomediastinum following fracture of the thyroid cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Fracture of the thyroid cartilage as a result of a sharp rapid increase in airway pressure during a sneeze with blocked nasal passages can be one of the rare causes of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Avoid closing both nostrils at the same time when sneezing.

Hoarseness as a Predictor for Pulmonary Arterial Aneurysm and Extrinsic Left Main Coronary Artery Compression in Patients with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary artery (PA) enlargement is a common finding in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and may be associated with extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA-Co) and/or compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve resulting in hoarseness named as Ortner syndrome (OS). In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic impact of OS in predicting the PA aneurysm and significant LMCA-Co in patients with PH.

METHODS

Our study population comprised retrospectively evaluated 865 with PH confirmed with the right heart catheterization between 2006 and 2022. Patients underwent coronary angiography due to several indications, including the presence of a PA aneurysm on echocardiography, angina symptoms, or the incidental discovery of LMCA-Co on multidetector computed tomography. The LMCA-Co is defined as diameter stenosis ³ 50% in reference distal LMCA segment on two consecutive angiographic planes.

RESULTS

The LMCA-Co and hoarseness were documented in 3.8% and 4.3% of patients with PH, respectively. Increasing PA diameter was significantly associated with worse clinical, hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters. The receiver operating curves revealed that the PA diameter >41 mm was cutoff for hoarseness (AUC: 0.834; sensitivity 69%, specificity 84%, and negative predictive value 98%), and PA diameter >35 mm was cutoff for LMCA-Co >50% (AUC: 0.794; sensitivity 89%, specificity 58 %, and negative predictive value 99%). An odds ratio of hoarseness for LMCA-Co was 83.3 (95% confidence interval; 36.5-190, P < 0.001) with 3.2% sensitivity, 98.7% specificity, and 59% positive and 98% negative predictive values.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a close relationship was found between the presence of hoarseness and the probability of extrinsic LMCA-Co by enlarged PA in patients with severe PH. Therefore, the risk of LMCA-Co should be taken into account in patients with PH suffering from hoarseness.

Hoarseness and arytenoid dislocation: A rare complication after facial bony contouring surgery

BACKGROUND

Arytenoid dislocation is a rare complication after endotracheal intubation and may result in permanent hoarseness, which cannot be tolerated during cosmetic surgeries, such as facial bony contouring surgery. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of this patient subgroup and share the process of diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the medical records of patients who underwent facial bony contouring surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation from September 2017 to July 2022. We divided the patients into a nondislocation group and a dislocation group. Demographic, anesthetic, and surgical characteristics were collected and compared.

RESULTS

441 patients were enrolled, and 5 (1.1%) were diagnosed with arytenoid dislocation. The patients in the dislocation group were more likely to be intubated with the video laryngoscope (P = 0.049), and head-neck movement during surgery may predispose patients to arytenoid dislocation (P = 0.019). The patients in the dislocation group were diagnosed around 5-37 days after surgery. Three of them regained their normal voice after close reduction, and two recovered with speech therapy.

CONCLUSION

Arytenoid dislocation may result from multiple factors instead of one high-risk factor. Head-neck movement, the skills and experience of anesthetists, the time of intubation, and the use of intubation tools may all predispose patients to arytenoid dislocation. To acquire timely diagnosis and treatment, patients should be fully informed of this complication before surgery and observed closely afterward. Any postoperative voice or laryngeal symptoms lasting more than 7 days need a specialist evaluation.

Initial Clinical Application of Enhanced Recovery After Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy

Background: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol has been widely adopted across various surgical subspecialties. Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) has grown in popularity in the past decade. Therefore, this study aimed to discuss the initial application of ERAS in TORT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 95 patients who had undergone TORT in our department from April 2020 to March 2022. All patients were treated using the ERAS protocol. Results: TORT was successfully performed in all 95 patients. Postoperative histopathological examination revealed papillary carcinoma. The average operative time, hemorrhage volume, length of postoperative stay, and pain score (24 hours after surgery) were 227.32 ± 44.37 minutes, 35.81 ± 23.45 mL, 1.37 ± 0.62 days, and 2.11 ± 0.54, respectively. Sixty patients received an analgesia pump, with no significant difference in pain scores between the patients with and without the pump (P > .05). Eight patients experienced transient mandibular numbness, and two experienced transient hoarseness postoperatively. Of the 24 cases of total thyroidectomy/bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (ST) or lobectomy with isthmusectomy plus contralateral ST patients, 8 developed transient hypoparathyroidism. No common complications, such as incision infection, hematoma/effusion formation, coughing while drinking, or permanent hoarseness/hypocalcemia, were reported. Conclusion: Our initial outcomes demonstrate that implementing an ERAS protocol in TORT is safe and feasible.

[Consensus recommendations on the evaluation and treatment of laryngotracheal anomalies in infants and young children]

Infants with laryngotracheal anomalies are clinically manifested as stridor or noisy breathing, choking, hoarseness, feeding difficulties, and cyanotic spells, followed by developmental and growth retardation and other health issues; in severe cases, patients may present with severe dyspnea, which is associated with high mortality. A timely diagnosis as well as appropriate strategy for laryngotracheal anomalies is still challenging for pediatric otolaryngologists. This consensus statement, evolved from expert opinion by the members of the Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Professional Committee of the Pediatrician Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, provides comprehensive recommendations and standardized guidance for otolaryngologists who manage infants and young children with laryngotracheal anomalies in evaluation and treatment based on symptomatology, physical and laboratory examinations.

Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Proximal Esophagus: Prospective Study and Systematic Review on Relationships with Endoscopic Findings and Clinical Data

Cervical inlet patches (CIP) are common endoscopic findings with uncertain pathogenesis and clinical significance. We aimed to perform a systematic review and prospective study of clinical data and endoscopic findings related to CIP. It was a prospective single-center study conducted between 10/01/2017 and 9/01/2018. Forty patients with histopathologically confirmed CIP were compared with 222 individuals in the reference group. The systematic review was executed in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Alcohol consumption tended to be higher among patients with CIP (3.0 ± 4.6 vs. 1.9 ± 5.0 standard drinks/week CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.001). Dysphagia was more frequent among patients with CIP (25% vs. 1.4%, CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.001), and sore throat and hoarseness were less frequent in patients with CIP (17.5% vs. 26.6% CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.01). In the multivariate regression analysis, the only risk factor of CIP occurrence was dysphagia (OR 21.9, 95%CI 4.9-98.6; p < 0.001). Sore throat and hoarseness were a reverse-risk factor of CIP diagnosis (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.93; p = 0.04). Clinical data and coexisting endoscopic findings were not related to CIP. In the presented study, dysphagia was related to CIP occurrence, and sore throat and hoarseness tended to be less frequent among patients with CIP.

Safety enhancement of improved hydrodissection for microwave ablation in secondary hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety of improved hydrodissection based on the periparathyroidal fascial space during microwave ablation (MWA) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 337 patients (162 males and 175 females; mean age, 50.8 ± 12.8 [range, 16-84] years) who underwent MWA for SHPT were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 177 patients underwent traditional hydrodissection (traditional group) and 160 patients underwent improved hydrodissection based on periparathyroidal fascial spaces (improved group). Safety enhancement was analyzed by comparing the complications between the two groups. The characteristics of the hydrodissected fascial spaces, complications, and the follow-up results were recorded. The baseline data, clinical parameters, laboratory indices and characteristics of SHPT lesions were analyzed to assess the risk factors associated with hoarseness.

RESULTS

Hydrodissection was successfully performed in all the enrolled patients according to the protocol. Six periparathyroid fascial spaces were hydrodissected, depending on the location of the SHPT lesions. The incidence of hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, the most common complication of thermal ablation for SHPT lesions, was lower in the improved group than in the traditional group (6.9% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.044). The median hoarseness recovery time in the improved group was shorter than that in the traditional group (2 vs. 6 months, p < 0.001). There was no difference in technical efficiency between the two groups (improved group vs. traditional group: 75.0% vs. 70.6%; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional hydrodissection, improved hydrodissection based on periparathyroidal fascial spaces could enhance safety during MWA for SHPT.

Comparison of Short and Long-Term Results after Injection Laryngoplasty with Radiesse® Voice and Thyroplasty Type I in Unilateral Vocal Fold Palsy

OBJECTIVES

Unilateral vocal fold palsy independently of etiology results in glottic insufficiency leading to unfavorable short or long-term impact on voice quality. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of injection laryngoplasty using Radiesse® Voice and thyroplasty type I on glottic closure, voice quality and aerodynamics by comparing preoperative, short- and long-term results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 32 consent patients were reviewed between 2012 and 2023. All patients underwent either injection laryngoplasty (14 patients) or thyroplasty type I (18 patients) under local anesthesia. Maximum phonation time, glottic closure based on videolaryngostroboscopy, VHI-30 values and GRBAS scale were recorded prior, short-term (3 month) and long-term (12 months) after procedures for statistical comparison. Friedman test, Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In injection laryngoplasty group, we found significant improvement in maximum phonation time (p = 0.002), grade of hoarseness (p = 0.002) and breathiness (p = 0.000) when comparing results before and short-term after procedure. In thyroplasty type I group we saw significant improvement of maximum phonation time (p = 0.000), glottic insufficiency (p = 0.000), all three VHI-30 components (p = 0.000), as well as grade of hoarseness, breathiness (both p = 0.000) and roughness (p = 0.011) of GRBAS scale when comparing voice outcome before and short-term after procedure. There was no significant difference in voice outcome results neither between short and long-term results nor between the two groups in any parameter.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate both short and long-term efficiency of injection laryngoplasty and thyroplasty type I in the improvement of voice quality and glottic closure.

Identifying key signs of motor neurone disease in primary care: a nested case-control study using the QResearch database

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the symptoms and signs for motor neuron disease (MND) in the Red Flag tool; to quantify the extent to which the key symptoms and signs are associated with MND; and to identify additional factors which may be helpful within the primary care setting in recognition of possible MND and triggering timely referral to neurology specialists.

DESIGN

A nested case-control study.

SETTING

1292 UK general practices contributing to the QResearch primary care database, linked to hospital and mortality data.

PARTICIPANTS

Baseline cohort included 16.8 million individuals aged 18 years and over without a diagnosis of MND at study entry and with more than 3 years of digitalised information available. The nested case-control data set comprised of 6437 cases of MND diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2019, matched by year of birth, gender, general practice and calendar year to 62 003 controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinically recognised symptoms and signs of MND prior to diagnosis and symptoms and factors which are relevant in primary care setting.

RESULTS

This study identified 17 signs and symptoms that were independently associated with MND diagnosis in a multivariable analysis. Of these, seven were new to the Red Flag tool: ataxia, dysphasia, weight loss, wheeze, hoarseness of voice, urinary incontinence and constipation. Among those from the Red Flag tool, dysarthria had the strongest association with subsequent MND (adjusted OR (aOR): 43.2 (95% CI 36.0 to 52.0)) followed by muscle fasciculations (aOR: 40.2 (95% CI 25.6 to 63.1)) and muscle wasting (aOR: 31.0 (95% CI 19.5 to 49.4)). Additionally, the associations between MND diagnosis and family history, dropped foot, focal weakness and sialorrhoea remained robust after controlling for confounders. Patients who reported symptoms indicative of damage to the lower brainstem and its connections were diagnosed sooner than those who presented with respiratory or cognitive signs.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that has identified, confirmed and quantified the association of key symptoms and signs with MND diagnosis. In addition to known factors, the study has identified the following new factors to be independently associated with MND prior to diagnosis: ataxia, dysphasia, wheeze and hoarseness of voice. These findings may be used to improve risk stratification and earlier detection of MND in primary care.

Prevalence of Hoarseness and Its Association with Severity of Dysphagia in Patients with Sarcopenic Dysphagia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of hoarseness and its association with the severity of dysphagia in patients with sarcopenic dysphagia.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using the Japanese sarcopenic dysphagia database.

SETTING

19 hospitals including 9 acute care hospitals, 8 rehabilitation hospitals, 2 long-term care hospitals, and 1 home visit rehabilitation team.

PARTICIPANTS

287 patients with sarcopenic dysphagia, aged 20 years and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Sarcopenic dysphagia was diagnosed using a reliable and validated diagnostic algorithm for the condition. The presence and characteristics of hoarseness classified as breathy, rough, asthenic, and strained were assessed. The prevalence of hoarseness and the relationship between hoarseness and Food Intake LEVEL Scale (FILS) were examined. Order logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, naso-gastric tube, and handgrip strength was used to examine the relationship between hoarseness and FILS at baseline and at follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean age was 83 ± 10 years. Seventy-four (26%) patients had hoarseness, while 32 (11%), 20 (7%), 22 (8%), and 0 (0%) patients had breathy, rough, asthenic, and strained hoarseness, respectively. Median FILS at the initial evaluation was 7 (interquartile range, 5-8). Hoarseness (β=0.747, 95% confidence intervals= 0.229, 1.265, p=0.005), age, sex, naso-gastric tube, and handgrip strength were associated independently with baseline FILS, while hoarseness (β=0.213, 95% confidence intervals= -0.324, 0.750, p=0.438) was not associated independently with the FILS at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Hoarseness was associated with the severity of dysphagia at baseline, however not a prognostic factor for sarcopenic dysphagia. Resistance training of swallowing and respiratory muscles and voice training as part of rehabilitation nutrition might be useful for treating sarcopenic dysphagia.

Ortner's Syndrome Due to Giant Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Ortner's syndrome is hoarseness of the voice caused by enlarged cardiac structures compressing the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (LRLN). The LRLN is vulnerable for impingement by cardiac structures due to its anatomical course. LRLN is longer and it hooks below the arch of the aorta, posterior to the ligamentum arteriosum before ascending toward the tracheo- esophageal groove. Ortner's syndrome has been commonly described with left atrial enlargement due to mitral stenosis; however, other causes like aortic aneurysm, pulmonary artery aneurysm, and aortic dissection have been described. Although rare, hoarseness of the voice could be the only presenting complaint in aortic aneurysms as in the case described herein.

[A case of subglottic osteoma]

A 41 years female patient was hospitalized with hoarseness for three months, without cough, expectoration and dyspnea. The symptom had no relief by application of antibiotics. Electronic laryngoscope showed that there were the grey neoplasms under subglottic anteriou commissure with broad base and slightly rough surface, and bilateral vocal cords were normal; throat CT showed subglottic irregular high density and calcification. The subglottal tumor resection was performed under the general anesthesia and laryngoscope CO2 laser assisted. In the operation, we found that the tumor was hard with surface of thin mucosa tissue, and there was white bone tissue under it. The removing tumor was about 0. 8 cm X 0. 6 cm X 0. 3 cm and was diagnosed as subglottic osteoma by pathologic examine. There was no recurrence in three months follow-up.

An unusual cause of hoarseness in an elderly asthmatic

Dysphonia in patients with bronchial asthma is generally ascribed to vocal-cord abnormalities or steroid myopathy secondary to inhaled corticosteroids. Herein, we report the case of a 55-year-old male patient - a diagnosed case of bronchial asthma being on inhaled corticosteroids - who presented with dysphonia and was diagnosed to be suffering from Aspergillus laryngotracheobronchitis.

Clinical and molecular characterization of lipoid proteinosis in Namaqualand, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Lipoid proteinosis (LiP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a hoarse voice, warty skin infiltration and scarring. Mutations within the extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) gene cause LiP. Since the early 1970s it has been recognized that South Africa has one of the largest groups of LiP patients worldwide, suggesting a probable founder effect. As LiP patients present with considerable clinical variability, this group of patients offers a unique opportunity for genotype-phenotype correlation.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical features and the molecular basis of LiP in patients from the Namaqualand area of the Northern Cape province of South Africa and to examine molecular evidence for a founder effect.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The LiP patient cohort consisted of 29 Coloured patients from Namaqualand and a further seven Caucasoid patients from other areas of South Africa. The control group included 100 healthy geographically and ethnically matched individuals from Namaqualand. Samples were collected after informed consent and with ethics committee approval from the University of the Witwatersrand. LiP patients were examined clinically and a structured recording sheet was completed. A brief neurological evaluation was also performed. The LiP founder effect was investigated at the molecular level by ECM1 mutation detection and haplotype analysis.

RESULTS

The most consistent clinical signs for a diagnosis of LiP in this group were a hoarse voice and thickened sublingual frenulum leading to restricted tongue movement. Homozygosity for a nonsense mutation in exon 7 of the ECM1 gene, Q276X, was identified in all patients (Coloured and Caucasoid). Despite this genetic homogeneity, considerable clinical variability in skin presentation and psychiatric involvement was observed. Haplotype analysis using markers from a 9.98-Mb region around the ECM1 locus confirmed the founder effect with a founder core haplotype, 19-Q276X-12 (ND1-ECM1-D1S2343), in all but four LiP-associated alleles (n = 58). A LiP carrier rate of 1 in 9 was observed among the 100 Namaqualand controls, predicting a LiP incidence of 1 in 324 in this community.

CONCLUSIONS

Although several consistent clinical features in LiP patients homozygous for the Q276X mutation in the ECM1 gene were observed, there remains considerable clinical variability. This suggests the action of genetic and environmental modifiers of disease severity. Strong molecular evidence supports a single founder effect for the high prevalence of LiP in South Africans, both Coloured and Caucasoid.

Sudden hoarseness due to unilateral cord vocal paralysis in a patient with Behçet's disease

Behçet's disease is a systemic necrotising vasculitis affecting arteries and veins of all sizes in any location [1]. Here we report a patient with Behçet's disease who presented with sudden hoarseness due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis from recurrent laryngeal nerve damage.

Gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux in globus and hoarseness

BACKGROUND

The role of gastropharyngeal reflux in patients with globus pharyngeus and hoarseness remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patients with complaints of globus, hoarseness, or globus and hoarseness combined for the presence of gastropharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical cohort study of 3 groups of patients undergoing ambulatory 24-hour double-probe pH monitoring. In patients with pathologic gastroesophageal reflux, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was also performed.

SETTING

Tertiary care, outpatient clinic.

PATIENTS

Twenty-seven patients with globus alone, 20 patients with hoarseness alone, and 25 patients with globus and hoarseness combined.

RESULTS

Patients with well-defined pathologic reflux (ie, gastroesophageal reflux with or without gastropharyngeal reflux) were present mainly in the group of patients with globus combined with hoarseness: 18 (72%) of 25 patients, compared with 7 (35%) of 20 patients with hoarseness alone and 8 (30%) of 27 with globus alone. Seven (10%) of all 72 patients had prolonged acid exposure at the laryngopharyngeal junction in the presence of a normal gastroesophageal pH registration. Abnormal findings in the esophagus were found at endoscopy in 17 (65%) of 26 patients with pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (with or without gastropharyngeal reflux).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high prevalence of pathologic reflux in patients with both globus and hoarseness. Based on these findings, we strongly advise upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for symptomatic otolaryngological patients with pathologic gastroesophageal reflux.

Protean manifestations of lipoid proteinosis in a 16-year-old boy

We report a 16-year-old Japanese male with lipoid proteinosis showing various skin manifestations. The patient was born to nonconsanguineous parents and none of his relatives was similarly affected. The patient suffered from a hoarse voice and refractory temporal epilepsy from early childhood. Computed tomography scanning of the brain showed bilateral calcification in the temporal lobes, a characteristic feature of lipoid proteinosis. On physical examination, various skin manifestations, including papules and haemorrhagic blisters, acne-like scars at sites of minor trauma or friction, and beads of small papules along the free margins of the eyelids were noted. A skin biopsy showed deposits of homogeneous hyaline-like material, positive on periodic acid-Schiff staining, throughout the dermis, particularly around small blood vessels. It is noteworthy that a range of characteristic skin lesions can be present in a patient with lipoid proteinosis even with mild systemic involvement.

Autologous fat implantation for vocal fold scar: a preliminary report

New insights into the anatomy and physiology of phonation, along with technological advances in voice assessment and quantification, have led to dramatic improvements in medical voice care. Techniques to prevent vocal fold scar have been among the most important, especially scarring and hoarseness associated with voice surgery. Nevertheless, dysphonia due to vocal fold scar is still encountered all too frequently. Although it is not generally possible to restore such injured voices to normal, patients with scar-induced dysphonia can usually be helped. Voice improvement is optimized through a team approach. Treatment may include sophisticated voice therapy and vocal fold surgery. Although experience with collagen injection has been encouraging in selected cases (particularly in those involving limited areas of vocal fold scar), there is no consistently successful surgical technique. Attempts to treat massive vocal fold scar, such as may be seen following vocal fold stripping, have been particularly unsuccessful. This paper reports preliminary experience with the implantation of autologous fat into the vibratory margin of the vocal fold of patients with severe, extensive scarring. Using this technique, it appears possible to recreate a mucosal wave and improve voice quality. Additional research is needed.

Anaesthesia for airway obstruction in laryngo-onycho-cutaneous syndrome

A 4-year-old boy with laryngo-onycho-cutaneous syndrome underwent excision of an obstructive vocal cord lesion. There is only one previous case report of laryngeal involvement in this syndrome but the anaesthetic management has not been reported. The anaesthetic management for microlaryngobronchoscopy and laser surgery in this child with upper airway obstruction is described.

[Herpes zoster of the right cervical region associated with right facial nerve palsy and hoarseness]

A 69-year-old man was suffering from herpes zoster on his 2nd and 3rd right cervical spinal segments and 3rd branch of the trigeminal nerve. He came to our hospital on his 10th illness day and was treated with continuous cervical epidural block, intravenous infusion of acyclovir for five days, and oral paramethasone and Vitamin B12. Oh his 18th illness day, right facial nerve palsy and hoarseness became clear. His cerebrospinal fluid showed no abnormality except cell count 23 x 3 mm-2. No clear paralysis of vocal cords was detected on laryngoscopy. He was also treated with right stellate ganglion block starting on his 21st illness day. His pain and facial nerve palsy recovered completely by his 68th illness day, but hoarseness continued about two months. The hoarseness might be a result of spread of the disease 1) by cerebrospinal fluid, 2) by contact with the 3rd cervical nerve and vagal nerve via accessory nerve, and 3) direct effect on the vocal cords and the muscles controlling them. Herpes zoster on the head and neck region shows various complications and we should follow its course cautiously.

Voice perturbations of children with perceived nasality and hoarseness

Cycle-to-cycle variations in voice fundamental frequency (jitter) and amplitude (shimmer) were derived by electroglottography for 10 children with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Jitter was found to be positively correlated with ratings of perceived nasality, whereas shimmer was found to be positively correlated with ratings of perceived hoarseness. Theoretic implications for a regulatory model of speech aerodynamics are discussed. Additionally, clinical applications, in terms of using electroglottography as a supplemental assessment procedure, are suggested.

Upper respiratory tract involvement in adult T-cell leukemia

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is characterized by peripheral lymph node enlargement, hepatosplenomegaly and skin lesions. The association of local mass lesions of other organs with ATL is extremely rare. This report describes a 57-year-old woman with chronic type ATL with associated local tumor masses in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and larynx as well as skin infiltration. Histologic investigation of the skin lesion and nasal mucosa revealed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse, mixed type. Her chief complaints were progressive dyspnea and hoarseness. Leukemic cell masses in her upper respiratory tract caused narrowing of the airway, which was responsible for her complaints.

Lipoid proteinosis. A case report

A 31-year-old Coloured man was admitted to Tygerberg Hospital in 1981 with hoarseness, hyperkeratotic skin lesions and nodules on the eyelids. There was a history of an episode of loss of consciousness. Skull radiographs demonstrated bilateral symmetrical calcifications in the temporal region. Skin biopsy was consistent with a diagnosis of lipoid proteinosis.

Hiatus hernia and the respiratory tract

Hoarseness, asthma, and bronchitis are common but sometimes obscure manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux, the etiology of when respiratory symptoms predominate. In 300 consecutive patients who underwent surgical correction for gastroesophageal reflux, 129 (43%) had major respiratory complaints. Group 1 patients (82, 64%) were those referred for respiratory problems alone. In Group 2 (patients referred because of peptic complaints), 47 had associated respiratory problems in various combinations, including an additional 10 patients who had bronchiectasis. Treatment with appropriate surgical resection, in addition to antireflux procedures, was carried out in these people. Noticeable relief of respiratory symptoms was obtained in 96 (74%) of the 129 patients; 30 were improved and 2 were unchanged. Recurrent hiatus hernia or esophagitis was documented in 21 (7%) of the 300 patients.