Laryngeal Morphology in Voice Disorders: a Review of Imaging and Endoscopic Findings

This review aimed to synthesize and analyze morphological changes of the larynx in patients with voice disorders, as identified through imaging and endoscopic methods, and to evaluate their diagnostic value.

We performed a comprehensive PubMed search using MeSH and Title/Abstract keywords related to laryngeal morphology, voice disorders and imaging modalities. Filters restricted results to human studies in adults which were published as full text, in English, during the last 10 years. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria after screening and were included for analysis. Data on imaging modalities, morphological features, diagnostic accuracy and correlations with voice function were extracted.

Across the 17 studies, imaging revealed morphological features such as vocal fold edema, nodules, polyps, motion impairment, glottal insufficiency and arytenoid asymmetry. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated significant correlations between vocal cord thickening, impaired adduction and dysphonia severity. High-speed videoendoscopy and stroboscopy showed good sensitivity (up to 92%) and specificity (79.2%) for identifying motion impairment and dysphonia classification. Some structural findings, such as arytenoid asymmetry in singers, did not correlate with acoustic deficits.

Imaging and endoscopic evaluations provide valuable diagnostic insights into voice disorders, though variability in protocols and outcome measures limits cross-study comparability. Standardization of imaging methods and reporting is essential for improving diagnostic reproducibility and clinical applicability.