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Morphologic significance of bifid uvula.
Pediatrics
|March 1, 1985
Summary
A bifid uvula in children often indicates an underlying submucous cleft palate. This study found most children with a bifid uvula had submucous cleft palate signs, suggesting caution with adenoidectomy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Speech Pathology
Background:
- Bifid uvula is traditionally considered a marker for submucous cleft palate (SCP).
- The classic definition of SCP includes bifid uvula, hard palate notching, and soft palate muscular diastasis.
- Subtle SCP manifestations may be missed by standard oral examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of association between bifid uvula and submucous cleft palate.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of bifid uvula as an indicator of SCP.
- To inform clinical practice regarding adenoidectomy in children with bifid uvula.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngoscopic examination of the palate and pharynx in children with bifid uvula.
- Assessment for landmarks of submucous cleft palate.
- Evaluation for velopharyngeal insufficiency and speech hypernasality.
Main Results:
- In nearly all cases, children with bifid uvula exhibited some or all signs of submucous cleft palate.
- Several children presented with velopharyngeal insufficiency and mildly hypernasal speech.
- The findings challenge the traditional view of bifid uvula as a definitive marker.
Conclusions:
- Bifid uvula is a strong indicator of submucous cleft palate.
- Nasopharyngoscopy is crucial for diagnosing subtle SCP.
- Caution is advised when considering adenoidectomy in children with bifid uvula due to potential velopharyngeal issues.