Idiopathic Ulcerative Laryngitis: A National Survey of Academic Laryngologists

Idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis (IUL) is a rare disorder characterized by ulceration in the mid-membranous portions of the vocal folds. The etiology and optimal management of this condition are poorly understood. We aimed to survey laryngologists on their experiences with managing IUL in order to better understand the diagnosis and treatment of this unusual condition.

An online survey was sent to 149 laryngologists practicing at academic institutions in the United States. Survey questions assessed respondents' professional backgrounds and clinical experiences with IUL. Individual responses were tallied and calculated as percentages of total responses.

A total of 96 out of 149 academic laryngologists completed the survey, leading to an overall response rate of 64.4%. All respondents reported that they had encountered IUL in practice, including 56.3% who reported having seen 1-10 cases, 22.9% reporting 11-20 cases, and 20.8% reporting greater than 20 cases over their careers. Dysphonia (99.0%) and cough (84.4%) were the two co-occurring primary presenting symptoms reported. Most base diagnosis on laryngeal videostroboscopy (93.8%). Fungal/bacterial cultures and operative biopsy had been performed by approximately 30% of respondents with occasional candidiasis reported but otherwise negative or nonspecific results. Common therapies used were empiric: antireflux therapy (91.7%), modified voice rest (91.7%), and oral steroids (80.2%). Among survey respondents with experience managing more than 10 cases of IUL, many found complete voice rest (60.0%), oral steroids (55.9%), behavioral cough suppression (46.7%), and modified voice rest (46.3%) to be at least moderately effective treatment options. Resolution of symptoms was most commonly reported to occur over the course of 1-3 months (59.4%) and recurrences were seen not very often or never (85.4%). However, permanent sequelae were common, including vocal fold stiffness (89.6%) and dysphonia (81.3%).

IUL is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. Diagnosis is typically made with laryngeal videostroboscopy and spontaneous resolution occurs over 1-3 months. Laryngologists commonly treat empirically with antireflux therapy, voice rest, antimicrobials, and oral steroids. While no empiric treatment appears to be highly effective for the management of IUL, complete or modified voice rest, oral steroids, and behavioral cough suppression may be the most effective of the currently available options. Further research is necessary to improve the understanding and optimal management of IUL.