Interarytenoid botulinum toxin injection for recalcitrant vocal process granuloma

This study evaluated the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injected into the interarytenoid muscle to treat recalcitrant vocal process granulomas.

Retrospective clinical review at a tertiary care center.

Eight patients with vocal process granulomas refractory to a variety of prior treatments including surgical resection, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and voice therapy underwent percutaneous injection of botulinum toxin type A into the interarytenoid muscle, performed in an office setting. Doses ranged from 5 U to 25 U in one to two injections.

One patient demonstrated no improvement, two patients demonstrated partial resolution, and five patients demonstrated complete resolution of their granulomas. Four patients noted transient breathiness. There were no other side effects. All patients tolerated the injections without difficulty.

Botulinum toxin injection into the interarytenoid muscle appears to be a safe and effective modality for treating recalcitrant vocal process granuloma.