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Laryngeal/voice findings in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction
L L D'Antonio1, H R Muntz, M A Province
1Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO.
The Laryngoscope
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Individuals with palatal clefts often experience voice problems due to laryngeal compensation. High subglottal pressure is linked to these laryngeal/voice issues, suggesting comprehensive screening is vital.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Individuals with palatal clefts frequently exhibit laryngeal and voice symptoms.
- Vocal pathology is hypothesized to result from laryngeal compensation for abnormal velopharyngeal valving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of laryngeal/voice findings in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).
- To explore the relationship between laryngeal/voice findings and various VPD assessments.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 85 patients referred for multimethod assessment of velopharyngeal dysfunction.
- Assessed auditorily perceived voice symptoms and observable laryngeal abnormalities.
- Correlated findings with nasoendoscopic, aerodynamic, and estimated subglottal pressure measurements.
Main Results:
- 41% of patients presented with voice symptoms or laryngeal abnormalities.
- 21% had vocal fold nodules or thickening.
- A significant relationship was found between laryngeal/voice findings and elevated estimated subglottal pressure.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal and voice findings are common in patients with VPD.
- Elevated subglottal pressure may be a key indicator of laryngeal issues in this population.
- Comprehensive evaluations including laryngeal screening are recommended for patients with VPD.