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

Abstract

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.

Key words:

• Dysphonia
• electroglottography
• open quotient
• stroboscopy
• videostroboscopy
• vocal fold

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declaration of interest