Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (Mar 2001)
The Importance of Videolaryngostroboscopy in Benign Vocal Fold Lesions
Abstract
Objectives:To evaluate the effects of videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) in evaluating the physical characteristics of dynamic mucosa that covers vocal fold surface and in the differential diagnosis of those patterns in benign vocal fold lesions.Materials and Methods:99 patients who attended to Kocaeli University Medical Faculty Voice Center, with hoarseness and diagnosis of benign vocal fold lesion had been retrospectively recorded and their VLS records were examined. The symmetry of vocal folds, amplitude, periodicity, mucosal wave properties, phases of vibratory cycle (open-close) and types of glottic closure were evaluated and stroboscopic findings of vocal nodule, polyp, intracordal cyst, sulcus vocalis, "contact" granuloma and Reinke’s edema were examined.Results:42.4% of 99 patients had vocal nodule, 14.2% had Reinke’s edema, 17% had intracordal cyst, 13% had vocal polyp, 10.1% had sulcus vocalis, and 3% had "contact" granuloma. Glottic closure was oberved as a posterior opening in patients with nodule and polyps; where as the closure was complete in intracordal cyst and edema group. Vibration amplitude was markedly decreased in patients with polyp and edema, on the other hand the decrease was less prominent in patients with cysts. Open phase predominance was determined in the evaluation of phase closure characteristics of vibratory cycle time rates in the nodule and polyp group. Phase symmetry was observed in patients with bilateral nodules and sulcus vocalis, while phase symmetry was absent in patients with other lesions and unilateral nodules. A decrease on horizontal amplitude and cuttings of mucosal waves were observed in vibratory cycles of sulcus vocalis. Mucosal waves were normal in “contact” granulama, but assymetry in glottic configuration was mast prominent.Conclusion:The usage of VLS is important in proper classification and determining the right therapeutic modalities. Phase closure pattern, phase symmetry, glottal configurations, periodicity, mucosal wave properties are the most common VLS patterns that have great importance in diagnosis.
