Hyperfunctional Laryngeal Behavior: Is It the Cause or Consequence of Vocal Fold Polyps?

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Vocal Fold Pathology
• Speech Science

Background:

• True vocal fold (TVF) polyps are benign lesions that can affect voice quality.
• Arytenoid adduction asymmetry (AAA) is a potential indicator of laryngeal dysfunction.
• The relationship between AAA and TVF polyps requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between arytenoid adduction asymmetry (AAA) and the characteristics of true vocal fold (TVF) polyps.
• To determine if AAA is a cause or effect of TVF polyps.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of videolaryngostroboscopic findings in 163 patients with TVF polyps.
• Patients categorized into groups with and without AAA.
• Analysis of demographic data, polyp morphology, supraglottic phenomena, and AAA attributes.

Main Results:

• Patients with AAA were younger (fourth vs. fifth decade).
• No significant differences in polyp characteristics between groups.
• Significant association between AAA and false vocal fold (FVF) adduction.
• Significant association between polyp laterality and AAA/FVF adduction.

Conclusions:

• AAA is a compensatory mechanism, similar to FVF adduction muscle tension.
• AAA is a consequence of underlying laryngeal pathology that impairs glottic closure, not the cause.
• This finding is relevant in cases of concomitant laryngeal pathology and high vocal demand.