Ultrasound Elastography Detects Age-Related Changes in Adult False Vocal Folds

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Vocal fold biomechanics
• Elastography

Background:

• Assessing false vocal fold (FVF) biomechanics is crucial for understanding vocal function.
• Ultrasound elastography offers a non-invasive method to evaluate tissue properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of ultrasound elastography for evaluating the symmetry of stiffness and movement in both false vocal folds (FVFs).

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound strain and shear wave velocity (SWV) were measured in the bilateral FVF during abduction and adduction in 28 healthy adults.
• 2D speckle-tracking analyzed FVF movement, and an SWV ratio assessed contractility.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, linear regression, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for reliability.

Main Results:

• Seniors (≥65 years) showed higher SWV during abduction and a lower SWV ratio compared to younger participants (P < .05).
• Excellent correlation (R² > 0.89) was found for mean strain and SWV between the right and left FVFs.
• Intra- and interobserver reliability for shear wave elastography (SWE) of the FVF was moderate to excellent.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound elastography is a feasible method for assessing FVF stiffness, dynamic movement, and symmetry in adults.
• Healthy older adults may exhibit increased FVF stiffness, suggesting age-related biomechanical alterations.