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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Atypical presentation of a posterior fossa tumour:A case report

BACKGROUND We described a case of a patient with a meningioma in the posterior fossa presenting atypically with an isolated unilateral vocal cord palsy causing severe respiratory distress.This is of interest as the patient had no other symptomatology,especially given the size of the mass,which would typically cause a pressure effect leading to neurological and auditory symptoms.CASE SUMMARY This case report described a 48-year-old male who was married with two children and employed as a car guard.He had a medical history of asthma for the past 10 years controlled with an as-needed beta 2 agonist metered dose inhaler.He initially presented to our facility with severe respiratory distress.He reported a 1-wk history of shortness of breath and wheezing that was not relieved by his bronchodilator.He had no constitutional symptoms or impairment of hearing.On clinical examination,the patient’s chest was“silent.”Our initial assessment was status asthmaticus with type 2 respiratory failure,based on the history of asthma,a“silent chest,”and the arterial blood gas results.CONCLUSION A posterior fossa meningioma of such a large size and with extensive infiltration rarely presents with an isolated unilateral vocal cord palsy.The patient’s chief presenting feature was severe respiratory distress,which combined with his background medical history of asthma,was misleading.Clinicians should thus consider meningioma as a differential diagnosis for a unilateral vocal cord palsy even without audiology involvement.

Nasogastric tube syndrome:A Meta-summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Since its description in 1790 by Hunter,the nasogastric tube(NGT)is commonly used in any healthcare setting for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms or enteral feeding.However,the risks associated with its placement are often underes-timated.Upper airway obstruction with a NGT is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication.NGT syndrome is characterized by the presence of an NGT,throat pain and vocal cord(VC)paralysis,usually bilateral.It is poten-tially life–threatening,and early diagnosis is the key to the prevention of fatal upper airway obstruction.However,fewer cases may have been reported than might have occurred,primarily due to the clinicians'unawareness.The lack of specific signs and symptoms and the inability to prove temporal relation with NGT insertion has made diagnosing the syndrome quite challenging.AIM To review and collate the data from the published case reports and case series to understand the possible risk factors,early warning signs and symptoms for timely detection to prevent the manifestation of the complete syndrome with life-threatening airway obstruction.METHODS We conducted a systematic search for this meta-summary from the database of PubMed,EMBASE,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitation-analysis.com/)and Google scholar,from all the past studies till August 2023.The search terms included major MESH terms"Nasogastric tube","Intubation,Gastrointestinal","Vocal Cord Paralysis",and“Syndrome”.All the case reports and case series were evaluated,and the data were extracted for patient demographics,clinical symptomatology,diagnostic and therapeutic interventions,clinical course and outcomes.A datasheet for evaluation was further prepared.RESULTS Twenty-seven cases,from five case series and 13 case reports,of NGT syndrome were retrieved from our search.There was male predominance(17,62.96%),and age at presentation ranged from 28 to 86 years.Ten patients had diabetes mellitus(37.04%),and nine were hypertensive(33.33%).Only three(11.11%)patients were reported to be immunocompromised.The median time for developing symptoms after NGT insertion was 14.5 d(interquartile range 6.25-33.75 d).The most commonly reported reason for NGT insertion was acute stroke(10,37.01%)and the most commonly reported symptoms were stridor or wheezing 17(62.96%).In 77.78%of cases,bilateral VC were affected.The only treatment instituted in most patients(77.78%)was removing the NG tube.Most patients(62.96%)required tracheostomy for airway protection.But 8 of the 23 survivors recovered within five weeks and could be decannulated.Three patients were reported to have died.CONCLUSION NGT syndrome is an uncommon clinical complication of a very common clinical procedure.However,an under-reporting is possible because of misdiagnosis or lack of awareness among clinicians.Patients in early stages and with mild symptoms may be missed.Further,high variability in the presentation timing after NGT insertion makes diagnosis challenging.Early diagnosis and prompt removal of NGT may suffice in most patients,but a significant proportion of patients presenting with respiratory compromise may require tracheostomy for airway protection.

Pitfalls in internal jugular vein cannulation

Central venous catheter insertion in the internal jugular vein(IJV)is frequently performed in acute care settings,facilitated by its easy availability and increased use of ultrasound in healthcare settings.Despite the increased safety profile and insertion convenience,it has complications.Herein,we aim to inform readers about the existing literature on the plethora of complications with potentially disastrous consequences for patients undergoing IJV cannulation.

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.

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.

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.

声带寻常疣1例

1临床资料患者,男,52岁,因“声音嘶哑、呼吸困难2个月余”于2019年7月就诊于云南省保山市第二人民医院。患者2个月前无明显诱因出现声音嘶哑及呼吸困难,偶有咳嗽且咳少量黄色脓痰,无咽喉疼痛、头痛及吞咽困难。患者既往体健,否认烟酒史,否认有免疫系统疾病及慢性疾病病史。体格检查:一般情况可,气管居中,颈部未触及明显肿物。

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.

声带息肉合并喉梗阻症状的治疗方法探讨

目的研究喉显微镜支撑喉镜下CO2激光手术治疗声带息肉合并不同程度喉梗阻患者的疗效。方法选取18例声带息肉伴有不同程度喉梗阻患者为研究对象,均采用纤维支气管镜引导下经鼻气管插管,实施喉显微镜支撑喉镜下CO2激光切除声带息肉手术,术后1个月复查电子喉镜,统计患者治疗总有效率及嗓音功能恢复、并发症以及术后复发等情况。结果 18例患者均一次性插管成功,无气管切开病例,除2例口咽侧壁擦伤外无其他并发症,术后呼吸困难症状改善明显,术后1个月嗓音功能恢复良好,治愈14例(77.78%),好转4例(22.22%),随访半年,无复发病例。结论纤维支气管镜引导下经鼻气管插管,CO2激光显微外科手术是治疗声带息肉合并喉梗阻患者安全、有效、微创的手术方法,值得临床推广应用。

支撑喉镜下环状软骨切开术治疗新生儿双侧声带麻痹1例

声带麻痹(vocal fold paralysis,VFP)又称喉(神经)麻痹,是支配喉的运动神经功能障碍所致的声带运动缺乏。儿童声带麻痹占儿童喉部先天异常的第二位(仅次于喉软化症),占所有喉先天性疾病的10%。新生儿双侧声带麻痹(bilateral vocal fold paralysis,BVFP)是新生儿期的重症和急症,常表现为喉鸣和呼吸窘迫,如诊断治疗不及时可能会危及生命。BVFP较少见,每年每100万出生中约有0.75例,但它仍然是婴儿呼吸窘迫的一个重要考虑因素。气管切开术是有效的治疗手段,但它带来了长期护理负担,同时也增加了死亡风险。有研究表明,50%以上BVFP患儿在出生后的12个月内有自发恢复的可能,因此任何建立稳定气道的手术都应该对患儿发声和吞咽的能力的影响最小。

Experience of Cervical Plexus Reinnervation for Patients with Unilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Invasion or Injury

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical and therapeutic effects of cervical plexus reinnervation for infiltrated or injured unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve （URLN）. METHODS Functional neck dissection for removal of differentiated thyroid carcinoma （DTC） in patients was performed, in which cervical plexus reinnervation was adopted for patients with stage I disease and URLN with injury or with tumor invasion. Outcomes of surgery were evaluated by examination under fibrolaryngoscope, and the patients＇ voices were evaluated before and after surgery. RESULTS All cases were followed up for 3 mon-2 years （average 8 mon）. Abductory motion of the vocal cords of 15 patients was completely or partly restored, but 3 patients＇ vocal cords were immovable. The recovery rate of abductory motion of the paralyzed vocal cords was 83.33% （15/18）. The function of phonation in the 16 patients was restored to normal or near normal limits, and their hoarseness was improved significantly. CONCLUSION Cervical plexus-URLN reinnervation should be considered when treating patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Removing the tumor simultaneously with cervical plexus reinnervation during surgery for repair of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was convenient and easy to perform with less functional damage compared with other methods of reinnervation. The abductory motion of vocal cord could be satisfactorily restored by this reinnervation. Surgical performance skills and application of neurotrophic drugs were important for the success of the surgery.

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy following aortic arch stenting: A case report

BACKGROUND Aortic arch stenting is continuously emerging as a safe and effective option to alleviate aortic arch stenosis and arterial hypertension.CASE SUMMARY We present a 15-year-old girl with aortic arch hypoplasia who had undergone implantation of an uncovered 22 mm Cheatham-Platinum stent due to severe(native)aortic arch stenosis.On follow-up seven months later,she presented a significant re-stenosis of the aortic arch.A second stent(LD Max 26 mm)was implanted and both stents were dilated up to 16 mm.After an initially unremarkable post-interventional course,the patient presented with hoarseness five days after the intervention.MRI and CT scans ruled out an intracranial pathology,as well as thoracic hematoma,arterial dissection,and aneurysm around the intervention site.Laryngoscopy confirmed left vocal fold paresis attributable to an injury to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve(LRLN)during aortic arch stenting,as the nerve loops around the aortic arch in close proximity to the area of the implanted stents.Following a non-invasive therapeutic approach entailing regular speech therapy,the patient recovered and demonstrated no residual clinical symptoms of LRLN palsy after six months.CONCLUSION Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is a rare complication of aortic arch stenting not previously reported.

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.