Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction-2022 Melbourne Roundtable Report

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO) is a prevalent condition causing breathlessness due to laryngeal narrowing.
• Diagnosis is often delayed due to the heterogeneous presentation of VCD/ILO.
• Current understanding of pathogenesis, management, and patient impact requires significant advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consistent diagnostic approach for VCD/ILO.
• To explore disease pathogenesis and interactions with comorbidities.
• To outline current management strategies and models of care, identifying research gaps.

Main Methods:

• An international Roundtable conference was convened in Melbourne, Australia.
• Discussions involved clinical, research, and conceptual advances in VCD/ILO.
• Key research questions and recommendations were framed based on recent evidence.

Main Results:

• Conventional diagnosis relies on laryngoscopy, but computed tomography (CT) of the larynx shows diagnostic potential.
• Disease pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial, lacking a single unifying mechanism.
• There is no current evidence-based standard of care due to a lack of randomized trials; multidisciplinary models need investigation.

Conclusions:

• The Melbourne VCD/ILO Roundtable 2022 highlighted the need for improved diagnostic consistency and research into pathogenesis.
• Further investigation into evidence-based treatments and validated multidisciplinary care models is crucial.
• Addressing patient impact and perspectives is essential for comprehensive VCD/ILO management.