A Rare Laryngeal Presentation of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but severe mucocutaneous epidermolysis commonly triggered by medications. SJS is characterized by mucocutaneous lesions of the trunk, face, and limbs, as well as the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. Although uncommon, laryngeal involvement in SJS can lead to severe respiratory, phonatory and deglutitive complications. Providers caring for patients with SJS should maintain a high index of suspicion for laryngeal involvement and low threshold to solicit Otolaryngology consultation. Laryngeal complications can be more expediently managed when anticipated early in the course of disease. Laryngoscope, 131:2519-2522, 2021.

'Mini-Microsuture Technique' for Phonosurgery: A New Simplified Method.

INTRODUCTION: Phonomicrolaryngeal surgery involves the surgical treatment of benign disorders of the vocal folds. Postoperative scar tissue in vocal fold mucosa is undesired because mucosal hypodynamia may lead to prolonged impairment in voice quality. This study aims to present and share the outcomes of a new endolaryngeal suture technique. METHODS: This study consists of patients who underwent vocal fold surgery followed by endolaryngeal microscopic suturation with a technique that we call the "mini-microsuture technique" between January 2018-December 2019. Videolaryngoscopic images were examined to observe the tissue healing process (suture elimination time, mucosal scar status, and wave pattern) at the first and the fourth week postoperatively. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis was made in 144 (57 males (39.5%) and 87 females (60.5%)) patients who underwent phonomicrosurgery with "Mini-microsuture technique." Mean age was 40.61 ± 13.54 (10-78) years. There were multiple pathological lesions in 41.66% (n: 60) of our patients, and 58.33% (n: 84) of them had single-lesion. 63.88% (n: 92) of the patients had bilateral vocal fold lesions where 36.22% (n: 52) of the patients had pathology in one vocal fold. CONCLUSIONS: The "mini-microsuture technique" is an easy and functional procedure that can be performed by a single surgeon under microscopy, which minimizes tissue trauma, prevents mucosal hypodynamia, and provides a better anatomical structure postoperatively for a symmetrical vibration. The technique does not significantly prolong operation time when mastered and is a cost-effective method in which surgery which can be concluded using a single suture material.

Visual and Automatic Evaluation of Vocal Fold Mucosal Waves Through Sharpness of Lateral Peaks in High-Speed Videokymographic Images.

INTRODUCTION: The sharpness of lateral peaks is a visually helpful clinical feature in high-speed videokymographic (VKG) images indicating vertical phase differences and mucosal waves on the vibrating vocal folds and giving insights into the health and pliability of vocal fold mucosa. This study aims at investigating parameters that can be helpful in objectively quantifying the lateral peak sharpness from the VKG images. METHOD: Forty-five clinical VKG images with different degrees of sharpness of lateral peaks were independently evaluated visually by three raters. The ratings were compared to parameters obtained by automatic image analysis of the vocal fold contours: Open Time Percentage Quotients (OTQ) and Plateau Quotients (PQ). The OTQ parameters were derived as fractions of the period during which the vocal fold displacement exceeds a predetermined percentage of the vibratory amplitude. The PQ parameters were derived similarly but as a fraction of the open phase instead of a period. RESULTS: The best correspondence between the visual ratings and the automatically derived quotients were found for the OTQ and PQ parameters derived at 95% and 80% of the amplitude, named OTQ95, PQ95, OTQ80 and PQ80. Their Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were in the range of 0.73 to 0.77 (P < 0.001) indicating strong relationships with the visual ratings. The strengths of these correlations were similar to those found from inter-rater comparisons of visual evaluations of peak sharpness. CONCLUSION: The Open time percentage and Plateau quotients at 95% and 80% of the amplitude stood out as the possible candidates for capturing the sharpness of the lateral peaks with their reliability comparable to that of visual ratings.

Use OF NBI for the assessment of clinical signs of rhino-pharyngo-laryngeal reflux in pediatric age: Preliminary results.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a complex problem in pediatric population: diagnosis and clinical presentation are still controversial. Classic white light endoscopy shows some pathognomonic signs of LPR in children, such as thickening of pharyngo-laryngeal mucus, the cobblestoning aspect of pharyngeal mucosa, arytenoid edema/hyperemia, nodular thickening/true vocal cord edema, hypertrophy of the posterior commissure, subglottic edema. The NBI (Narrow Band Imaging) technology, generally used in oncology, allows to study neoangiogenesis and hypervascularization of the mucosa, common aspects in both chronic inflammation and neoplastic transformation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the added value of this technology in identifying the main laryngopharyngeal reflux sign in a pediatric population. METHODS: We evaluated at the Otolaryngology Unit of the "Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli" hospital and the Airway Surgery Unit of the "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital 35 patients aged from 2 months to 16 years divided into two groups in the period between November 2017 and May 2018. Group A included patients with clinical suspicion of LPR after gastroenterologist evaluation and Group B included patients who underwent an endoscopic evaluation for the assessment of recurrent respiratory symptoms such as stridor, recurrent croup, wheezing and persistent cough. We performed an endoscopic evaluation by white light and NBI for each patient, comparing the results of both methods to evaluate signs of pharyngo-laryngeal reflux and to calculate the value of reflux finding score (RFS). RESULTS: The analysis of the data showed: for Group A an average value of RFS with white light of 11,84 (range 8-17, standard deviation 2,52 ±â€¯0,57) and with NBI of 13,63 (range 10-17, standard deviation 2,13 ±â€¯0,49); for Group B the analysis of the data showed an average value of RFS with white light of 10,06 (range 8-14, standard deviation 2,32 ±â€¯0,58) and with NBI of 12,50 (range 9-18, standard deviation 2,63 ±â€¯0,65). The comparison between the two methods resulted significant. Furthermore evaluation by NBI allowed to highlight other signs of pharyngo-laryngeal reflux, characteristic of pediatric age and not included in RFS, in particular cobblestone aspect of the hypopharingeal mucosa, phlogosis of the tonsillar crypts and adenoid surface, hyperemia and hypervascularization of subglottic and tracheal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Although still preliminary our results represent an interesting starting point for further studies, because they underline the potentiality of NBI endoscopy in LPR evaluation and how this technology could improve the identification of reflux signs.

Pediatric dysphagia: Is interarytenoid mucosal height significant?

OBJECTIVES: The clinical significance of the interarytenoid mucosal height (IAMH) in pediatric dysphagia, ranging from normal anatomy to a laryngeal cleft, is unknown. This study seeks to evaluate a cohort of patients who underwent evaluation of their IAMH during microdirect laryngoscopy (MDL) for associations between IAMH and dysphagia as diagnosed on preoperative videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). METHODS: A retrospective case series of 1,351 patients who underwent MDL between 2011 and 2016 were reviewed for intraoperative evaluation of IAMH using our interarytenoid assessment protocol. After exclusions, 182 patients were divided into three groups: 1) thickened diet: VFSS with recommendation for thickened liquids (n = 82 of 182; 45.1%), 2) normal diet: VFSS with allowance of thin liquids (n = 19 of 182; 10.4%), and 3) control: no VFSS performed (n = 81 of 182; 44.5%). RESULTS: There was no difference in IAMH between groups (P = 0.35). Power analysis was able to achieve > 80% power to detect an effect size of ≥ 0.5 (1-5 mucosal height scale). The majority of patients in each group had an IAMH above the false vocal folds (thickened diet: 57.3%, normal diet: 57.9%, control: 64.2%). There were similar percentages of patients in each group with an IAMH at or below the true vocal folds (thickened diet: 4.9%, normal diet: 5.3%, control: 6.1%). CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between IAMH and preoperative thickened liquid recommendation in this cohort. This data fails to support the hypothesis that the IAMH is an independent etiological factor for pediatric pharyngeal dysphagia. Further studies comparing IAMH with outcomes after feeding therapy and surgery may better clarify this relationship between anatomy and physiology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 129:2588-2593, 2019.

Objective measurement of mucosal wave parameters in diagnosing benign lesions of the vocal folds.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic procedure of phonation is dominated by subjective assessment tools. It seems reasonable to seek methods of quantitative glottal cycle assessment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was the analysis of open quotients (OQ) of the glottis. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four people were included in the study. Methodology was based on tools available in everyday phoniatrics practice - laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) and electroglottography (EGG). There were statistically significant differences between control and studied group. Vocal fold polyps, nodules and edema influence glottal function in a different manner, what can be illustrated by objective glottal function parameters. Establishing Videostroboscopic Open Quotient values from three parts of glottis and Electroglottographic Quasi Open Quotient (QOQ) value, can help in dividing patients with benign lesions of vocal folds according to the type of disease. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the open quotient from three parts of the glottis helps to differentially diagnose and localize glottal vocal fold lesions. Videostroboscopic Open Quotient and Electroglottographic QOQ values can be used to quantify the glottal cycle. Videostroboscopic Open Quotient, Electroglottographic QOQ and their ratio varies depending on the type of organic dysphonia.

Determining the amount of training needed for competency of anesthesia trainees in ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane.

BACKGROUND: Airway guidelines recommend the use of ultrasound to localize the cricothyroid membrane prior to airway manipulation in difficult airways. In this study, we aimed to determine the amount of training anesthesia trainees would need to achieve competence in bedside ultrasound to identify the cricothyroid membrane. METHODS: This is a prospective non-randomized cohort study in the Department of Anesthesia at Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Following institutional ethics approval, six anesthesia trainees consisting of four residents and two fellows underwent a 2-h training session on neck ultrasound to identify neck landmarks and the cricothyroid membrane. The trainees had no previous airway ultrasound experience. One-two weeks later, each trainee performed consecutive neck ultrasound scans on 20 healthy volunteers to identify the cricothyroid membrane. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) learning curves were constructed for each trainee. Primary outcome was the number of ultrasound examinations required to achieve competence, defined as 90% success rate in a series of 20 ultrasound scans. Secondary outcomes were the overall success rate, the time (sec.) required to perform the task, and 3-month skills assessment. RESULTS: CUSUM analysis showed four trainees achieved competence with a mean [range] success rate of 94.0% [90-100%] and a median [range] number of attempts of 14 [9-18]. Two trainees did not achieve competence, but obtained a success rate of 75.0 and 80.0% each. Overall (number of attempts) success rate was 88.3% (106/120) with a mean (SD) time of 36.9 (9.0) sec. Three months after training, ultrasound of five consecutive neck scans showed a mean success rate of 86.7% (26/30) and mean (SD) time of 47.7 (16.0) sec. CONCLUSIONS: After a short 2-h training session, most anesthesia trainees (n = 4/6) achieved competence in ultrasound-identification of the cricothyroid membrane with less than 20 scans in a mean time less than 60 s., and that they remain reasonably competent 3 months later. The learning curve for ultrasound identification of the cricothyroid membrane seems to be short even without prior airway ultrasound experience.

[Narrow band imaging for evaluation of laryngeal mucosal lesions]. / "Narrow band imaging" zur Beurteilung laryngealer Schleimhautläsionen.

The use of narrow band imaging (NBI) and further technological achievements concerning the resolution and magnification of endoscopic images have revolutionized laryngology in the past 10 years. The diagnosis and therapy of dysplasia and early laryngeal carcinoma have become significantly easier. There are also clear benefits for benign laryngeal lesions. Central to these techniques is the assessment of epithelial, connective tissue and vascular changes caused by diverse diseases.

Effect of saline inhalation on vocal fold epithelial morphology evaluated by optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Examination of tissue structures by optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to be useful on mucous membranes of the vocal folds, but so far its application to the human larynx has been limited because it is technically cumbersome and usually needs to be performed with sedation. Here a newly developed, noninvasive combined laryngoscopy and OCT procedure is described and its suitability for ambulatory OCT studies evaluated. Because inhalation therapies utilizing saline solutions are commonly used as a treatment option for disorders of the airways, and vocal fold epithelium is most likely to be affected due to its superficial positioning, epithelial thickness was chosen as a relevant test parameter and evaluated before and after saline inhalation. METHODS: Seven vocally healthy participants performed a 10-minute inhalation of saline solution and underwent a combined laryngoscopy and OCT before and after the inhalation therapy. Endoscopy was performed using a newly developed combined laryngoscopy and OCT device. The OCT images were used to estimate the epithelial thickness of the vocal folds. RESULTS: Epithelial thickness measured in all participants before treatment was comparable in size reported in previous studies. Statistical differences before and after inhalation were not detected. CONCLUSION: The newly developed combined laryngoscopy and OCT procedure enables rapid investigation of the vocal fold epithelium. Inhalation of saline solution did not appear to affect the thickness of the epithelium of the vocal folds in vocally healthy subjects, as evaluated by OCT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:E332-E336, 2016.

'Flaccid neoglottis' following supracricoid partial laryngectomy: laryngoscopic revision assisted by navigation system.

OBJECTIVE: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy is a reliable laryngeal preservation procedure for tumour stage 2 and selected stage 3 to 4 laryngeal cancers. Of 70 patients thus treated, two (3 per cent) had 'flaccid neoglottis', i.e. redundant mucosa at the inner arytenoid edge which intermittently obstructed the neoglottis. We discuss the mechanism and management of this complication. METHOD: The two cases are presented. A navigation system was used to assist surgery. Neoglottal spatial alteration (specifically cross-sectional area) was assessed pre- and post-operatively using three-dimensional computed tomography. Voice was also evaluated. RESULTS: Inspiratory stridor and delayed stomal closure were the main symptoms. Minimum neoglottal cross-sectional area was smaller in case one than in non-affected patients. Both patients had relatively rougher and breathier voices, but had adapted well to this. CONCLUSION: Flaccid neoglottis is mainly due to excessive anterior retraction of residual laryngeal mucosa and to excessive mucosal pliability with age. A navigation system was useful for confirmation, but the potential for incorrect image recognition should be kept in mind. Flaccid neoglottis was treatable, with improved laryngeal function.

Mucosal wave measurement and visualization techniques.

Organized vibration of the vocal folds is critical for high-quality voice production. When the vocal folds oscillate, the superficial tissue of the vocal fold is displaced in a wave-like fashion, creating the so-called "mucosal wave." Because the mucosal wave is dependent on vocal fold structure, physical alterations of that structure cause mucosal wave abnormalities. Visualization and quantification of mucosal wave properties have become useful parameters in diagnosing and managing vocal fold pathology. Mucosal wave measurement provides information about vocal fold characteristics that cannot be determined with other assessment techniques. Here, we discuss the benefits, disadvantages, and clinical applicability of the different mucosal wave measurement techniques, such as electroglottography, photoglottography, and ultrasound and visualization techniques that include videokymography, stroboscopy, and high-speed digital imaging. The various techniques and their specific uses are reviewed with the intention of helping researchers and clinicians choose a method for a given situation and understand its limitations and its potential applications. Recent applications of these techniques for quantitative assessment demonstrate that additional research must be conducted to realize the full potential of these tools. Evaluations of existing research and recommendations for future research are given to promote both the quantitative study of the mucosal wave through accurate and standardized measurement of mucosal wave parameters and the development of reliable methods with which physicians can diagnose vocal disorders.

[Mucosal lesions in the larynx: predictive value of new imaging modalities for a histological diagnosis]. / Schleimhautveränderungen im Kehlkopf: Prädiktionswert neuerer bildgebender Verfahren für eine histologische Diagnose.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-frequency ultrasound are promising new methods in the early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. However, no reliable values are given in the literature for epithelial thickness in early laryngeal cancer and its precursor lesions of the vocal folds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, epithelial thickness in different benign and malignant lesions of the vocal folds was determined histologically using a normal white light microscope. RESULTS: The vocal fold mucosa showed progressive thickening over the different grades of dysplasia up to microinvasive carcinoma, while additional inflammation did not have any significant influence on the total epithelial thickness. In moderate dysplasia, however, the mean thickness of the epithelium was found to be double that of normal mucosa, and in severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, as much as three times that of normal mucosa. In the presence of microinvasive carcinoma, the average thickness of the epithelium was found to be as much as six times that in healthy mucosa. On the other hand, in case of benign lesions such as Reinke's edema, polyps, chronic laryngitis, and papillomas there was only slight epithelial thickening. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of epithelial thickness by OCT or high-frequency ultrasound may allow conclusions on whether or not a laryngeal lesion is malignant.

Noninvasive measurement of ablation crater size and thermal injury after CO2 laser in the vocal cord with optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize tissue destruction after CO(2) laser-ablation of the vocal cords with the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: OCT was used to image fresh porcine vocal cords after laser ablation. OCT and histology estimates of the ablation crater dimensions and the depth of thermal injury were obtained. RESULTS: The vocal cord substructures up to 2.29 mm in depth at 10 microm resolution, and the thermal disruption after laser ablation were identified by OCT. OCT and histology estimates of the lesion dimensions showed no significant differences. Crater depth is directly proportional to laser power, whereas crater width and the zone of thermal injury appear to be unrelated to laser power. CONCLUSIONS: OCT may be used to accurately characterize the native states and the laser-induced thermal injury of laryngeal mucosa, within the inherent limitation in its depth of penetration. OCT may be a useful diagnostic and monitoring tool in an otolaryngology practice.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the larynx: CT and MR imaging findings.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the larynx is a rare tumor. The aim of this study was to report the CT and MR features of laryngeal NHL in four patients to determine if there are any features that might be helpful to distinguish NHL from other laryngeal tumors. METHODS: The CT and MR images of four patients with laryngeal NHL were retrospectively reviewed for tumor volume and distribution, appearance, local invasion, and lymphadenopathy. RESULTS: Tumor volume ranged from 4 to 45 mL(3). Tumor was based in the submucosal (2/4 [50%]), mucosal (1/4 [25%]), or both regions (1/4 [25%]) and was centered in the supraglottis (4/4 [100%]) but also involved the glottis (4/4 [100%]) and subglottis (2/4 [50%]). Laryngeal tumor involved the aryepiglottic folds (4/4 [100%)]), ventricles and false cords (4/4 [100%]), epiglottis (3/4 [75%]), paraglottis (3/4 [75%]), true cords (4/4 [100%]), anterior commissure (4/4 [100%]), and laryngeal cartilage (1/4 [25%]). The tumor extended into the hypopharynx (4/4 [100%]), strap muscles (1/4 [25%]), prevertebral muscles (1/4 [25%]), tongue base (1/4 [25%]), and walls of the oropharynx (1/4 [25%]) and nasopharynx (1/4 [25%]). Bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy with extracapsular tumor spread was present in one patient. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal NHL is a tumor that usually has a large submucosal component centered in the surpaglottis. The tumor extends into the glottis, with less frequent spread to the subglottis, laryngeal cartilage, and strap muscles. Laryngeal NHL also involves the hypopharynx, with large tumors extending superiorly into the tongue base, oropharynx, and nasopharynx. A laryngeal tumor with a large supraglottic submucosal component should alert the ragiologist to the possibility of NHL.

Laryngopyocele: signs on computed tomography.

A laryngocele is an air-filled dilation of the saccule of the larynx. An infected laryngocele is called a laryngopyocele. Our experience with a case of laryngopyocele with signs on computed tomography before and after antibiotic therapy is presented since laryngopyocele is more unusual.

Atypical squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx: radiologic features and pathologic correlation.

The objective of this study was to analyze the radiologic features of atypical forms of squamous cell cancer and correlate them with clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings. The CT and MRI images of 31 patients with atypical forms of squamous cell carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively and the radiologic findings were correlated with clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings. Histopathologic diagnoses included undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type (n = 8), verrucous carcinoma (n = 18), spindle cell carcinoma (n = 3), and basaloid cell carcinoma (n = 2). Undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type was located in the supraglottis or piriform sinus beneath an intact mucosa and initial endoscopic biopsy was most often negative. The discrepancy between an intact mucosa at endoscopy and a solid mass with homogenous enhancement at CT or MRI was characteristic for these tumors and warranted further investigations to obtain the definitive histologic diagnosis. Verrucous carcinoma displayed characteristic clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features, namely, an exophytic tumor arising from the glottic level displaying a rugged surface with finger-like projections but with only minor submucosal infiltration. Spindle cell carcinoma appeared as a polypoid mass with a thin stalk arising from the supraglottis. Basaloid cell carcinoma displayed a distinct lobulated enhancement pattern which was observed on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE images. Although the MR and CT features of atypical forms of squamous cell carcinoma cannot be considered pathognomonic they should raise the differential diagnosis even if endoscopic biopsy has been negative. The radiologist's awareness of the appearance of these unusual tumors on CT and MR images may greatly facilitate the diagnostic work-up and helps to guide the endoscopist to the adequate biopsy site in order to establish the correct diagnosis.

Endolaryngeal high-frequency ultrasound.

High-frequency ultrasound can provide high-resolution imaging for diagnosing diseases of the head and neck. Over the last few years, a virtual technical evolution has led to the development of small and flexible ultrasound transducers with even greater anatomic resolution. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of this new technique for imaging normal and altered anatomical structures of the endolarynx. Specially developed high-resolution, real-time ultrasound transducers (10 and 20 MHz) placed on the tip of endoluminal catheters were inserted into 20 autopsied larynges and five laryngectomy specimens. In a standardized examination process the endolarynx was analyzed in a real-time mode. Using this technique, exact 360 degrees cross sections of the larynx were obtained, demonstrating that it was possible to image the structures of the endolarynx with ultrasonography. Depending on the frequency used, all anatomical structures could be visualized up to a depth of 2 cm. In laryngeal cancer the depth of tumor as well as its relationship to the laryngeal framework could be clearly recognized. These findings suggest that this new endoluminal sonographic procedure represents a potentially important diagnostic tool in the assessment of laryngeal carcinoma.

Laryngocele--a study of five cases with reference to the radiological features.

Arising from the ventricle of the larynx are small saccules, usually less than 10 mm in length. Occasionally the saccules may enlarge and the term laryngocele is applied. Five symptomatic cases are described with the radiological findings, which in each case contributed to the diagnosis established at operation.