An Analysis of the Hoarse Speech Signals by the Three Mass Model of Vocal Cords *

A three mass model of vocal cords as well as mathematical expression of the model are discussed. Different kinds of typical hoarse speech due to laryngeal diseases are simulated on microcomputer and the effects of different pathological factors of vocal cords on model parameters are studied. Some typical spectrum distribution of the simulated speech signals are given. Moreover, hoarse speech signals of some typical cases are analyzed by the methods of digital signal processing, including FFT, LPC, Cepstrum technique, Pseudocolor encoding, etc. The experiment results show that the three mass model analysis of vocal cords is an efficient method for analysis of hoarse speech signals.

Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Paralysis in Anaesthesia

Vocal cord paralysis can occur as a complication o surgery or anaesthesia,if permanent is a significant clinica problem.Early detection is important to optimize the chance o repair,and avoid complications associated with an impaired swallow.An algorithm to detect altered vocal cord function was presented based on wavelet packet analysis(WPA) and suppor vector machines(SVM),and compared with the Hoarseness Diagram method(HDm),which was reported as an objective voice quality evaluation approach and could be used for pathological voice discrimination.Experiments using voice signals recorded from subjects before and after the procedure show high classification accuracy with the new algorithm,whereas HDm fails in the detection of a hoarse voice.This finding would help to develop a screening tool to detect the vocal structure damage during surgery.

Formation of granulation tissue on bilateral vocal cords after doublelumen endotracheal intubation:A case report

BACKGROUND Most case reports on laryngeal granuloma formation have described patients after tracheotomy and single-lumen endotracheal intubation.Few studies have investigated vocal cord granuloma formation after double-lumen endotracheal(DLT)intubation.CASE SUMMARY We report granulation tissue formation on the bilateral vocal cords after DLT intubation in a 45-year-old,153-cm-tall female patient.Previous imaging reports showed no formation of vocal cord granuloma before DLT intubation.Therefore,we inferred that DLT intubation may have been the main reason for the postoperative granulation tissue formation on her bilateral vocal cords,based on the patient’s history of DLT intubation,persistent hoarseness after thoracic surgery,and fibrolaryngoscopic and pathological reports during 12 mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Thirty-two Fr DLT tubes should be utilized for thoracic surgery on female patients who are shorter than 153 cm in height.

Vocal Cord Paralysis Secondary to Carotid Artery Dissection: A Case Report

Background and Objective: Vocal cord paralysis results in impairment of breathing and/or speech. One of the causes of vocal cord paralysis is the disruption of vagus nerve innervation to the vocal cords by the mass effect of a neighbouring structure. We report a rare case of vocal cord paralysis secondary to internal carotid artery dissection. Method: The diagnosis was based on clinical history, physical examination and imaging studies. Literature review was done. Case Report: This was a 53-year-old female with a history of unremitting, progressive hoarseness and mild dysphagia to liquid, who was clinically found to have impaired left vocal cord mobility, a left-sided pulsatile neck mass and left carotid artery dissection based on imaging studies. Symptoms abated after conservative treatment with Aspirin and she has remained symptom free since two years of follow-up. Conclusion: Vocal cord paralysis can be a consequence of carotid artery dissection causing mass effect on the vagus nerve. Thus, carotid artery dissection should not be forgotten as a possible cause of vocal cord paralysis in some cases of vocal cord paralysis of uncertain etiology. Treatment with anti-platelet drug can bring about resolution of symptoms and return of vocal cord mobility.

Place of Partial Arytenoidectomy in the Management of Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobilitis

Surgical management of laryngeal paralysis varies depending on whether the vocal cords are in abduction, adduction or paramedian position. Various surgical techniques have been described including partial arytenoidectomy which is reported to give good surgical results that are stable over time. The objective of the study was to analyze the surgical therapeutic elements of bilateral paralysis, especially to assess partial arytenoidectomy, one of the most performed techniques. This was a descriptive retrospective study of cases of bilateral immobility admitted between January 1st 2008 and March 31st 2018 and treated surgically. Socio-demographic and therapeutic data were collected. The survey involved 46 patients, with an equal number of male and female (23) with 50% of male patients and 23 patients were female, or a sex ratio of 1. The average age of the patients was 56 ± 17 years ranging between 14 and 89 years. Posterior partial arytenoidectomy was the most widely performed surgical technique (26 patients or 56.5%), followed by cordopexia or lateral-fixing of a vocal cord (19.6%) and posterior cordectomy (17.4%). Patients who received a partial arytenoidectomy and cordopexia had their vocal cords either in adduction or in the paramedian position. Those who received a posterior cordectomy had their vocal cords in adduction. 18 patients (39.13%) were taken to the operating theatre in less than 6 hours, 28 (60.9%) had no post-operative complications, and 9 patients received a surgical enlargement resumption. In post-operative follow-up, 11 patients suffered pulmonary aspiration corrected after speech therapy;26 patients (56.5%) did not. Partial arytenoidectomy remains the most performed surgical procedure in the management of closed bilateral laryngeal paralysis at the Mont-Godinne University Hospital. It allows a reliable and durable breathing function over time with less impact on the voice.

LASER SCANNING CYTOMETRIC DNA ANALYSES AND EXPRE- SSION OF P53 PROTEIN,KI67 AND BCL-X IN EARLY AND ADVANCED CARCINOMAS OF THE VOCAL CORD

Objective To study DNA ploidy and genetic changes in the different stages of neoplastic growth in the vocal cord, as well as their biological behavior, for further recognition of the lesions of carcinoma in situ and early carcinoma. Methods 18 tumor lesions of the vocal cord were DNA analyzed by laser scanning cytometry and followed up, and 62 lesions were immunohistochemically investigated for p53, Ki67 and Bcl-X, and with main observation on carcinomas in situ (CISs) and early microinvasive carcinomas (EMICs) which were compared with invasive carcinomas and polyps. Results DNA analysis showed that almost all the CISs and EMICs were diploidy, while 90% invasive carcinomas were aneuploidy. Follow-up data displayed that no one died of the tumor in CIS and EMIC, as well as in the patients with diploidy tumor, and all the patients died of the tumors were with anueploidy tumor. Immunohistochemically, 86% of CIS and EMIC and 91% of invasive carcinoma expressed p53 protein, and the positivities for Ki67 in them were respectively 29% and 27%, which were very significantly different from those of polyps of the vocal cord(P<0.001). In contrast, expression of Bcl-X were decreasing from benign to malignant lesions, and it was lowest in the invasive carcinomas, significantly different from that of polyp(P=0.002). Conclusion The present study showed that there were differences of DNA ploidy and genetic expressions among benign lesions, CISs and EMICs, and invasive carcinomas of the vocal cord, indicating that they might be different in biological entities. CIS of the vocal cord could be considered as a borderline lesion, and is better to receive conservative treatment. Moreover, p53 protein determination combined with Ki67 would be helpful in diagnosis of the carcinomas of the vocal cord.

Glottographic study and clinical application of sustained vibration of vocal cords

This paper deals about a quantitative and qualitative study of the sustained vibration pat-terns of vocal cords with a mulfifunctional glottograph developed by the authors.The glottogramsand their parameters for the modal,falsetto,breathy and pressed voices are presented.This paper al-so sets out to explore the influence of the changes in the properties of the vocal tract andfundamental frequency,on vocal cord vibration.Typical clinical results show that the glottographicmethod may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal diseases,phonation physiology andevaluation of artistic voice.

Hoarseness Due to Right Vocal Cord Paralysis Associated with Aortic Diverticulum from Right Aortic Arch—A Rare and Unusual Vascular Etiology of Right Vocal Cord Paralysis

Right vocal cord paralysis in our present case was diagnosed on clinical and radiological examination which is precipitated by an anomalous right aortic arch with diverticulum. This is a very uncommon vascular etiology of hoarseness and is extremely rare. Because of this rarity, the practicing otolaryngologist may miss this finding while evaluating a case of idiopathic right vocal cord paralysis. Thus, the authors feel that idiopathic or unexplained right vocal cord paralysis should be routinely investigated with a CT or MRI of neck and chest with or without contrast to avoid such shortcomings. There is only one such case of right vocal cord paralysis by right aortic which has been reported earlier in literature.

Clinical classification and treatment of leukokeratosis of the vocal cords

Background Leukokeratosis of the vocal cords is a clinical descriptive diagnosis, which includes a group of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the vocal cord mucosa. We investigated the clinical classification and treatment efficacy of leukokeratosis of the vocal cords. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical history, laryngoscopic examinations, morphological features under a surgical microscope, and pathology results of 360 cases of leukokeratosis of the vocal cords to examine correlations among treatment modalities, therapeutic effects, and clinical features. Results All cases were divided into four types based on symptoms, examination results, and treatment efficacies as follows： 21 patients had type I inflammatory leukoplakia and their vocal cord morphology and voice quality recovered after conservative therapies; 76 patients had type II frictional polyps and received CO2 laser submucosal cordectomy; 68 patients had type III sulcus vocalis and received mucosal slicing with dredging; and 195 cases had type IV simple leukokeratosis and received partial subligamental cordectomy with CO2 lasers or transmuscular cordectomy. Our treatment achieved a surgical cure rate of 90.9% （308/339）, with a recurrence rate of 9.1% （31/339） and malignant transformation rate of 6.5% （22/339）. All cancerous transformations occurred in type IV patients. Conclusion Choosing conservative or C02 laser surgery based on the morphological characteristics of squamous epithelial lesions of keratinized vocal cord mucosa can maximally protect voice quality, reduce complications, and improve the cure rate.

Vocal cord mucosal flap for the treatment of acquired anterior laryngeal web

Background Anterior glottic web is one type of laryngeal stenosis.Previous surgical methods had some drawbacks,such as large surgical trauma,long postoperative recovery time,and multiple-stage surgery.This study aimed to explore better treatment to repair anterior glottis web.Methods We performed vocal cord mucosal flap procedure on 32 patients with anterior laryngeal webs.All subjects received vocal cord scar releasing and vocal cord mucosal flap repair and suture under general anesthesia with selfretaining laryngoscope.Results All 32 patients completed surgery in one stage,without postoperative laryngeal edema,difficulty in breathing,or other complications.After the surgery,the anterior commissure of vocal cords recovered to a decent triangle shape in 28 patients; however,in four patients there were 2 to 3 mm adhesion residuals on the anterior ends of the vocal cords,accompanied by scar appearance of bilateral vocal cords.The GRB score,voice handicap index scores,and maximum phonation time score significantly improved in all patients after the surgery.There was no evidence of recurrent laryngeal webbing in the 6-rnonth follow-up.Conclusion Vocal cords mucosal flap repair surgery has the advantages of less trauma,quick recovery,and significant improvement of the voice in the treatment of laryngeal webs.

Giant cell angiofibroma in the vocal cord

Giant cell angiofibroma （GCA） was first described in 1995, and it is a rare tumor in soft tissues,1 Since the initial report of the disease in orbital tissue, GCA has been reported in a variety of other soft tissues.2,3 The morphological hallmark is richly vascularized, patternless spindle cell proliferation in the presence of pseudovascular spaces and multinucleated giant cells. The pathological diagnosis of GCA is mainly based on positive staining of CD34. GCA is usually considered to be a benign tumor. In clinic, GCA needs to be distinguished from other tumors in soft tissues. Herein,we report two rare cases of GCA in the vocal cord and describe its histological features.

Nursing of patients with vocal cord movement disorder after aortic dissection surgery

Background Vocal cord movement disorder （VCMD） is a laryngeal disorder characterized by paradoxical adduction of the vocal cords during in inspiration, expiration or both. The nursing experience of patients with VCMD after aortic dissection surgery is limited. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and nursing records of 269 patients after aortic dissection surgery in Guangdong General Hospital between May 2010 and May 2012. We observed the patients＇ pronunciation, and judged if there was dysphagia undergoing water drinking test two hours after extubation, to confirm whether patients had VCMD. Results Seventeen patients had VCMD after aortic dissection surgery, of whom 2 suffered hoarseness, 3 had dysphasia and 12 had both hoarseness and dysphasia. After timely treatment and carefully nursing, all the patients recovered well. Conclusions With the enhanced care of patients with aortic dissection, observing hoarseness appearance and drinking experiment immediately after extubation can detect VCMD as soon as possible. Further rehabilita- tion training and psychology care can prevent bucking and aspiration effectively, and promoting recovery and improving patient＇s life quality.

Research on hoarse speech based on vocal cord model and glottal waveform

Considering the fact that hoarse speech is usually caused by pathological changes of vocal cords, and its motion state is reflected by glottal waveform, we present a new method of research on hoarse speech based on dissymmetric four-mass model of vocal cords and glottal wave analysis-synthesis ill this paper. By linking hoarse speech waveform with glottal wave and the vocal cord model, the characteristic parameters of normal speech and hoarse speech before and after laryngeal operation are studied. The parameters of glottal wave periodicity and vocal cord symmetry of hoarse speech are compared with those of normal speech. It is applied to analyzing the relations between model parameters and hoarse mechanism in pathology and physiology. Experimental results show that this new method can unveil the relations between acoustic features and pathological causes of hoarse speech, providing theoretical and experimental bases both for diagnosing laryngeal diseases non-contactly and for improving the tone quality of hoarse speech.

Multifaceted superoxide dismutase 1 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients:a rare occurrence?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a neuromuscular condition resulting from the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cortex,brainstem,and spinal cord.While the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves both upper and lower motor neurons,human and animal studies over the years have highlighted the potential spread to other motor and non-motor regions,expanding the phenotype of ALS.Although superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)mutations represent a minority of ALS cases,the SOD1 gene remains a milestone in ALS research as it represents the first genetic target for personalized therapies.Despite numerous single case reports or case series exhibiting extramotor symptoms in patients with ALS mutations in SOD1(SOD1-ALS),no studies have comprehensively explored the full spectrum of extramotor neurological manifestations in this subpopulation.In this narrative review,we analyze and discuss the available literature on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during SOD1-ALS.The multifaceted expression of SOD1 could deepen our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms,pointing towards a multidisciplinary approach for affected patients in light of new therapeutic strategies for SOD1-ALS.

Clinical Observations on 109 Cases of Vocal Nodules Treated with Acupuncture and Chinese Drugs

The treatment of vocal nodules with the combined use of needling on Kaiyin Yihao Xue (开音一号穴Kai Yin Point No. 1 for Voice-Regaining) and medicinal spray and tea made according to Xie Qiang’s empirical prescription, obtained a total effective rate of 93.6%, obviously superior to that of the group treated with western medicine and the group simply treated by Chinese drugs (P<0.01). This suggests that the combined use of acupuncture and Chinese drugs in the treatment of vocal nodules has better therapeutic effect and requires shorter course of treatment.

Simulation of Human Phonation with Vocal Nodules

The geometric and biomechanical properties of the larynx strongly influence voice quality and efficiency. A physical understanding of phonation natures in pathological conditions is important for predictions of how voice disorders can be treated using therapy and rehabilitation. Here, we present a continuum-based numerical model of phonation that considers complex fluid-structure interactions occurring in the airway. This model considers a three-dimensional geometry of vocal folds, muscle contractions, and viscoelastic properties to provide a realistic framework of phonation. The vocal fold motion is coupled to an unsteady compressible respiratory flow, allowing numerical simulations of normal and diseased phonations to derive clear relationships between actual laryngeal structures and model parameters such as muscle activity. As a pilot analysis of diseased phonation, we model vocal nodules, the mass lesions that can appear bilaterally on both sides of the vocal folds. Comparison of simulations with and without the nodules demonstrates how the lesions affect vocal fold motion, consequently restricting voice quality. Furthermore, we found that the minimum lung pressure required for voice production increases as nodules move closer to the center of the vocal fold. Thus, simulations using the developed model may provide essential insight into complex phonation phenomena and further elucidate the etiologic mechanisms of voice disorders.

Reversible Paclitaxel-Induced Bilateral Vocal Fold Paresis

Introduction: Chemotherapy is a rare cause of iatrogenic vocal fold dysfunction. It has been reported in three main classes of chemotherapy agents and often occurs during the treatment interval. We present a case of bilateral vocal cord paresis with delayed presentation after completion of chemotherapy. Methods: One case, managed with observation and serial exams, is presented. A review of previous case reports of chemotherapy-induced vocal cord paresis and possible mechanisms of injury was performed. Results: Patient improved both symptomatically and through objective findings over the one-year course of observation. Conclusion: Diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced vocal cord paresis is dependent on a thorough history and physical exam. Management is predicated in that the dysfunction is often dose dependent and reversible, necessitating both cessation of the offending agent and the knowledge that any treatment is likely needed for only a temporary time. Chemotherapy-induced vocal fold paresis should be in the differential for patients presenting with hoarseness, dysphonia, stridor and a positive chemotherapy

儿童声带颗粒细胞瘤2例临床特征分析

目的:分析儿童声带颗粒细胞瘤(GCT)的临床特征。方法:回顾性分析2013年1月至2023年12月西安交通大学第二附属医院收治的2例儿童声带GCT患者的临床资料。结果:病例1,女,6岁,因“发声无力3月余”入院,喉镜提示声门下弥漫性膨隆,颈部增强CT提示前联合下方低密度结节并渐进性强化;患儿在全麻下行支撑喉镜CO_(2)激光切除术,术后病理确诊GCT;术后1个月至术后2年复查,肿物无复发,术区局部瘢痕形成,但无明显黏连,声门闭合可。病例2,女,11岁,因“声嘶半年余”入院,喉镜提示前联合光滑肿物,颈部增强CT及喉部增强MRI提示前联合强化结节;患儿在全麻下行支撑喉镜CO_(2)激光切除术,术后病理确诊GCT,术后2周至术后1年复查,肿物无复发,声门下瘢痕形成,声门闭合良好。结论:儿童声带GCT常表现为发音异常,需依靠病理确诊;手术切除为其主要治疗方法,术后应密切随访。

全身麻醉下Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术治疗单侧声带麻痹远期疗效观察

目的观察全身麻醉下Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术治疗单侧声带麻痹所致声门关闭不全的远期效果。方法对2017年1月~2023年6月就诊于北京同仁医院并于全麻下接受Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术治疗的52例单侧声带麻痹患者进行1年以上长期随访,分析其嗓音学参数变化。结果52例患者均在全身麻醉下顺利完成手术,术后声嘶均改善,饮水呛咳消失,患侧声带内移,声门闭合改善。术后1年患侧声带位置较术后1周无明显变化。所有患者术前、术后1周、术后1年的嗓音障碍视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分依次减小(80.28±13.49 vs.37.78±19.15 vs.26.26±21.29,P<0.05),术前及术后1年的嗓音主观听感知评估(GRBAS)除发音过度紧张程度(S)外,总嘶哑度(G)、粗糙声程度(R)、气息声程度(B)及发音无力程度(A)评分差异均有统计学意义(2.70±0.47 vs.1.09±0.66、2.52±0.54 vs.0.85±0.67、2.85±0.36 vs.0.67±0.65、2.74±0.44 vs.0.61±0.80,P均<0.05);与术前相比,术后1年基频(F0)和振幅微扰(shimmer)明显下降(4.61±2.61 vs.3.05±2.37、9.52±3.91 vs.7.11±2.78,P<0.05),最长发声时间(maximum phonation time,MPT)明显延长(5.87±2.70 vs.14.50±4.30,P<0.05)。无患者出现围术期不良事件。结论Ⅰ型甲状软骨成形术是治疗单侧声带麻痹的外科有效手段,全身麻醉下进行该手术,患者手术时没有痛苦、安全,而且能够达到显著改善患者声音嘶哑症状的治疗效果,疗效稳定、持久。

经颈超声检查评估咽喉部手术患者声带运动异常的价值

目的探讨经颈超声检查评估咽喉部手术患者声带运动异常的应用价值。方法选取2021年1月至2023年12月在海南省人民医院行甲状腺或咽喉部手术的49例患者纳入研究,所有患者术前及甲状腺患者术后均行喉镜及颈部超声检查声带运动情况,以喉镜评估声带运动为金标准,比较经颈超声与喉镜检查在评估声带运动方面有无差异。结果49例患者中行甲状腺肿瘤手术34例,术前超声检查显示声带区28例,超声与喉镜检查声带运动均正常。术后喉镜及超声检查均发现2例患者一侧声带固定,另喉镜提示1例患者一侧声带运动减弱,超声检查无阳性发现。喉部手术患者15例,均为喉癌;超声显示声带区结构的12例患者术前喉镜提示9例一侧声带固定,超声均正确诊断;另超声提示2例气道狭窄,声带运动减弱,因气道狭窄喉镜检查无法窥探至声带平面。将40例超声及喉镜均可显示声带区患者的声带运动情况进行比较,两者具有高度的一致性(Kappa值=0.826,P<0.001)。结论经颈超声检查作为一种非侵入式检查手段对部分患者声带运动情况的评估结果与喉镜检查结果具有高度的一致性,且简便易行,患者无需特殊准备,检查过程无痛苦,具有临床应用价值。