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[Voice disorders in rheumatoid arthritis]
Waldemar Wojnowski1, Michał Karlik, Bozena Wiskirska-Woźnica
1Katedra i Klinika Foniatrii i Audiologii AM w Poznaniu.
Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish Otolaryngology
|November 9, 2005
Summary
This study examined three women with rheumatoid arthritis and voice disorders. Findings indicate vocal fold changes and amplitude/frequency perturbations, suggesting a link between rheumatoid arthritis and voice issues.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Rheumatology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- RA can affect various body systems, including potentially the larynx.
- Co-occurrence of voice disorders and RA requires further investigation.
Observation:
- Three female patients (aged 39, 48, 74) with concurrent voice disorders and RA were studied.
- Phoniatric examination, videolaryngoscopy, stroboscopy, and acoustic voice analysis (MDVP) were employed.
- Laryngoscopic findings included vocal fold nodules and cricoarytenoid/vestibular fold edema.
Findings:
- Two younger patients exhibited yellow nodules on vocal folds with normal mobility.
- Acoustic analysis (MDVP) in these two cases showed amplitude perturbation changes.
- The older patient presented with edema in the cricoarytenoid and vestibular folds, with minor frequency perturbation noted on MDVP analysis.
Implications:
- The study highlights potential laryngeal manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Acoustic voice analysis can detect subtle vocal changes associated with RA.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and management of voice disorders in RA.