Microendoscopy of Reinke's space

OBJECTIVES: Contemporary surgical treatment of the superficial layer of the lamina propria or Reinke's space is most commonly performed through an incision in the overlying vocal fold epithelium. This approach may disrupt normal tissue, induce scarring, and allow extrusion of implanted materials. Previously reported external approaches to Reinke's space required either a laryngofissure or a "minithyrotomy" for access. These surgical approaches were performed without direct imaging of Reinke's space. Instruments placed below the vocal fold epithelium via this external approach were visualized through the translucent vocal fold epithelium. We designed this study to identify the feasibility of limited-access surgery of the lamina propria using microendoscopes placed into Reinke's space through an external approach. METHODS: A cadaveric human larynx was dissected, and microendoscopes were directly advanced into Reinke's space through a subepithelial puncture of the cricothyroid membrane, as well as lateral fenestration through the thyroid cartilage. RESULTS: Photodocumentation of the undersurface of vocal fold epithelium, the opposing surface of the vocal ligament, and the intervening Reinke's space was successfully accomplished. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in both microendoscopes and accompanying instrumentation permit access to the superficial layer of the lamina propria without disrupting the overlying epithelium. This approach to microendoscopy of Reinke's space may allow for more effective surgical treatment of cysts, chronic edema, vascular abnormalities, atrophy, scarring, and sulcus vocalis.     

Fat implantation into Reinke's space: a histologic and stroboscopic study in the canine.

The scarred vocal fold is a cause of persistent dysphonia after laryngeal trauma, microsurgery, and tumor resection. The loss of Reinke's space with scar and stiffness is the primary cause. This study explores the technical aspects of endoscopic implantation of fat as an autologous implant for restoring the bulk and pliability of the vocal folds. Fat from the buccal area was harvested and prepared in 6 dogs. A mucosal flap submucosal pocket was prepared by means of microlaryngoscopy instrumentation. The fat implant was placed into the submucosal pocket. The mucosal flap was sutured endoscopically. Six weeks later, the larynx was harvested and mounted, and vocal fold oscillation was studied while driven by a humidified flow source. The vibratory patterns were studied by stroboscopy. Histologic sections of the vocal folds were made in the coronal plane. All 6 specimens had histologic evidence of viable implanted fat and/or fibrous tissue at the implant site. The site of implantation was in the superior aspect of the vocal fold, but contributed to mass in vocal fold bulk. This increase in bulk histologically corresponded to stroboscopic evidence of increased mass. On stroboscopy, the implant side continued to demonstrate good vibratory function. The study shows that fat implantation can be carried out as an endoscopic procedure. Fat implantation may be useful as a surgical procedure for restoration of Reinke's space. It may be applicable in patients with scars, sulcus vocalis, or vocal fold atrophy.     

Glottal area waveform analysis of benign vocal fold lesions before and after surgery

Glottal area waveform (GAW) is the plot of relative glottal area versus time through 1 representative glottal cycle. It is derived from the quantitative analysis of the videostroboscopic image. A GAW analysis was performed on 24 patients before and after microlaryngeal phonosurgery. Patients with vocal fold polyps, polypoid degeneration, cysts, sulcus vocalis, and Reinke's edema were included. From each GAW, 5 parameters were determined and compared: maximum normalized glottal area, maximum opening rate, maximum closing rate, percent open time at 50% glottal opening, and glottal gap size. Statistically significant differences in postoperative states included an increased maximum glottal area, an increased maximum opening rate, and an increased maximum closing rate. Glottal opening and closing rate are objective measures of vocal fold pliability that have clinical relevance. The GAW may be used to quantitate vocal fold vibratory capability.     

声带息肉和Reinke水肿细胞外基质蛋白mRNA表达

目的探讨声带息肉和Reinke水肿中，声带固有层细胞外基质主要成分mRNA表达的变化，为阐明疾病发病机制提供依据。方法应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测手术切除标本（声带息肉12例，Reinke水肿2例，5例行全喉切除而声带未受肿瘤侵犯的声带作为正常对照），细胞外基质中与胶原纤维、弹性纤维和透明质酸有关的9种蛋白的mRNA表达。结果声带息肉与对照声带比较，胶原酶mRNA表达下降，纤连蛋白mRNA表达升高，而纤调蛋白mRNA表达下降，差异均有统计学意义（P值均〈0．05）；赖氨酰氧化酶、透明质酸合成酶在病变和对照组织mRNA表达量差异无统计学意义（P值均〉0．05）；前弹性蛋白原、透明质酸酶、弹性蛋白酶在病变组织mRNA阳性表达率低于对照组织；前胶原Ⅰ在所有组织中均无表达。声带Reinke水肿组纤连蛋白表达量接近息肉组，纤调蛋白表达量接近对照组，因样本量小未做统计学分析。结论纤连蛋白和纤调蛋白是参与声带息肉病理过程的两种细胞外基质成分。反复用声造成损伤以及声带对损伤的修复过程可能在声带息肉发病机制起重要作用。     

Voice handicap evaluation of patients with pathologic sulcus vocalis

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize the psychosocial impact of dysphonia on patients with pathologic sulcus vocalis by use of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). METHODS: The VHI was administered to 15 patients (11 women and 4 men) with pathologic sulcus vocalis. The VHI subscale and total scores were compared with previously published data from individuals with no history of dysphonia and from patients with vocal fold scar. Additional comparisons were performed for patients with unilateral sulcus versus bilateral sulci, type II sulcus versus type III sulcus, and sulcus with concomitant vocal fold scar versus sulcus without concomitant scar. RESULTS: The VHI scores for patients with pathologic sulcus vocalis were significantly greater than those for individuals with no history of dysphonia and for patients with vocal fold scar. In addition, significantly greater VHI scores were observed for patients with sulcus vocalis with concomitant scar versus those with sulcus alone. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that pathologic sulcus vocalis can be a severely handicapping condition, particularly in the presence of concomitant scar.     

Fat augmentation for nonparalytic glottic insufficiency

While autogenous fat augmentation for glottic insufficiency has been used before, relatively little information is currently available on the effectiveness of fat injection in patients with nonparalytic glottic insufficiency resulting from problems such as various defects of vocal atrophy or sulcus vocalis. This paper compares retrospectively the efficiency of fat injection after surgery in patients with vocal atrophy (n = 16) and sulcus vocalis (n = 8). The perceptual acoustic and phonatory functions and videolaryngostroboscopic data were evaluated before and after fat augmentation in 24 patients. The mean follow-up time was 19.5 months. Fifteen patients displayed excellent results; 1 showed some improvement; 6 experienced postprocedure failure, and 2 were not available for follow-up analysis. Perceptual rating showed significant improvement in grade, roughness and breathiness (p < 0.05). The videolaryngostroboscopic rating showed significant improvements in vocal fold edge linearity, vocal fold vibration amplitude and mucosal wave excursion (p < 0.05). More improvement in vocal atrophy was observed compared with sulcus vocalis following fat injection procedures. Our research showed that middle defects improved more compared to those in the anterior and posterior area. Fat injection is an effective autogenous implant and may be considered as an option in the treatment of patients with vocal atrophy or sulcus vocalis. Although fat reabsorption was a problem, repeating the procedure could be considered.     

喉良性增生性病变的嗓音学特点及治疗转归

目的 :探讨喉良性增生性病变对发声功能的影响及CO2 激光显微外科术后的转归特点。方法 :对2 92例喉良性增生性病变患者 (声带息肉、任克水肿、声带小结、囊肿、慢性肥厚性喉炎 )的流行病学、嗓音声学、形态及CO2 激光显微外科术后转归进行分析。结果 :声带小结患者均为青年女性 ,2 3.0 8%与职业有关 ;任克水肿为中老年患者。声带息肉及小结病变局限 ,手术仅涉及声带局部 ,术后改善明显 ,术后 1个月达正常状态 ;任克水肿患者术后 1个月改善明显 ,术后 3个月恢复最佳稳定 ;声带囊肿患者术后 1个月声音达最佳状态 ,但由于病变切除术后局部存在缺损 ,一定程度上影响预后 ;慢性肥厚性喉炎患者术后改善不满意。术后声门上代偿纠正均不明显。结论 :喉良性增生性病变主要累及声带被覆层 ,嗓音声障碍的程度及疗效与受累范围有关 ,激光显微外科手术可以保留良好结构及功能。除外科治疗外 ,还应及时矫正不良发声习惯等因素 ,以期获得最佳疗效。     

Videostrobokymographic analysis of benign vocal fold lesions

OBJECTIVES: Videostrobokymography (VSK) has recently been introduced. The aim of this study was to analyze vibratory patterns and objective parameters in various benign vocal fold lesions using VSK and to examine the efficacy of VSK in clinical applications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using VSK, we analyzed the vibration patterns of normal vocal folds, various benign lesions such as nodules, polyps, cysts and Reinke's edema and cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. We also calculated the objective parameters open quotient and asymmetric index and compared them with their mean values in normal controls. RESULTS: In nodules, polyps and cysts, the open quotient at the site of the lesion was similar to the mean value in the normal controls; however, on the other parts of the vocal folds, it was much larger than the normal mean value. In Reinke's edema, irregular and asymmetric vibrations were observed. The posterior area of the vocal folds showed larger open quotients than the anterior area. In unilateral vocal fold paralysis, irregular vocal fold vibration and incomplete closure of the vocal folds were documented. Much larger asymmetric indices were calculated for unilateral vocal fold paralysis than in normal controls or for other lesions. The asymmetric index may be a good quantitative parameter of vibration in patients with vocal fold paralysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that VSK could generate clear quantitative documentation of fine vibrations of vocal folds in many different types of benign lesion. VSK has the potential to be an effective tool for the quantitative analysis of vibratory patterns of vocal folds in clinical settings.     

自体筋膜移植填充治疗声带沟

目的探讨筋膜移植填充术在声带沟治疗中的价值及预后转归。方法23例双侧声带沟患者全麻显微镜下行声带沟瘢痕松解、筋膜移植填充手术，合并声带肌萎缩者同时行声门旁间隙脂肪注射。患者手术前、后行嗓音声学、气流动力学及频闪喉镜检查。结果4例手术失败者未进行疗效评价。19例术后6—8周患者发音开始改善，术后3个月发音改善明显。术后6个月音质趋于稳定，主、客观声学评价及气流动力学参数较术前改善明显，17例（89．5％）患者音质改善明显，声带结构及黏膜振动接近正常，声门闭合明显改善；2例患者音质改善不明显，声带形态接近正常，声门闭合改善，但黏膜振动不良。声音嘶哑主观评分与术前比较改善明显（P值均〈0．05），总评分2例患者（10．5％）提高2个等级，15例患者（79．0％）提高1个等级，2例患者（10．5％）评级无明显改变。除基频外，嗓音声学参数及最大发音时间与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P值均〈0．01），8例（42．0％）患者声学参数达到正常范围，17例患者（89．5％）最大发音时间达到正常范围。19例患者随诊均6个月-1年，未发现筋膜吸收，其中5例患者随诊满2年，音质稳定。结论筋膜移植填充声带沟的手术可在一定程度上矫正声带固有层缺陷，改善声门闭合不良，恢复声带振动特性。     

Exudative laryngeal diseases of Reinke's space: a clinicohistopathological framing

OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between the macroscopic and histologic diagnosis of nodules, polyps, and Reinke's edema of the true vocal folds and to propose a clearer clinical definition of them in the hope of settling the difference of opinion between otolaryngologists and pathologists. DESIGN: Retrospective study SETTING: Otolaryngology Department of "La Sapienza" University of Rome. METHODS: The pathologic reports of 203 patients subjected to direct laryngoscopy were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Examination of the histologic specimen of the epithelium and the chorion. RESULTS: Microscopic examination revealed a high percentage of normal epithelium both for nodules (33.79%) and polyps (40.65%). No dysplasia was observed, whereas dysplasia was present in 10 cases of Reinke's edema (7 laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia 1 and 3 laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia II). Five different stages of histologic progression resulted from the examination of the chorion in both nodules and polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Our suggestion is to consider polyps as "older" lesions and nodules as "younger" lesions. A polyp may be defined as an abnormal unilateral growth of vocal folds, a nodule as a bilateral growth situated between the anterior and medium third of the vocal fold, and Reinke's edema as a bilateral wound that extends to the whole of the true vocal fold.     

Sulcus vocalis in monozygotic twins

Sulcus vocalis is the presence of a groove extending along the vibratory surface of a vocal fold and may result in dysphonia. Depending on the level of severity, this condition may require treatment involving complicated surgical techniques. Cases of sulcus vocalis are classified as physiological, vergeture, or pouch type. A clear explanation of the etiology has not been established, and the currently proposed congenital origin, as described in the literature, remains controversial. This paper presents findings from monozygotic twin sisters with bilateral sulcus vocalis; these patients had similar morphologies, vibratory characteristics, and vocal quality measurements, which support the theory of a congenital etiology.     

Mucosal blood volume and oxygen saturation in the human vocal fold

With a newly developed spectrophotometric analyzer we were able to measure hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and its oxygen saturation in the human vocal and ventricular folds. Studies were made on 30 subjects including 18 normal controls. In laryngomicrosurgery under general anesthesia, measurements were made with a fiber probe touching the laryngeal mucosa. Results were as follows: In normal mucosa of the vocal fold, the mean value of IHb was 40 and the ISO2 was 55, while in that of the ventricular fold, the mean values were 74 and 56, respectively. Thus, in spite of the influence of general anesthesia, the mucosal blood volume was lower in the vocal fold than in the ventricular fold. The mean value of IHb was 30 in the vocal fold polyps, 122 in the vocal fold nodule, 43 in the polypoid degenerations, 17 in the vocal fold cyst, 62 in the granuloma, 6 in the sulcus vocalis and 19 in the hyperkeratoses. This method is considered useful for objective and quantitative analysis of pathological conditions in the vocal fold.     

Long-term outcomes of basic fibroblast growth factor treatments in patients with vocal fold scarring,aged vocal fold,and sulcus vocalis

ObjectiveFibrotic changes in the vocal fold mucosa have been observed in patients with vocal fold scarring, aged vocal fold, and sulcus vocalis, which often lead to severe voice disorders. Previous research suggests that the basic fibroblast growth factor (b FGF) improves variations in vocal fold properties [1,2]. Although clinical studies on b FGF treatments have been conducted [3,4,5], these studies only demonstrated the efficacy of this drug over a short period. The present study is the first to investigate the long-term efficacy of b FGF treatment.Methodsb FGF injections were performed in six patients from January of 2016 to December of 2017 at our institution. Patient follow-up continued for at least two years after the last injection. Three patients had vocal fold scarring, two had aged vocal fold atrophy, and one patient had sulcus vocalis. Each vocal fold was injected with 10 µg of b FGF four times. Voice and stroboscopic examinations were performed after surgery (at one month, three months, six months, one year, two years). Fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time (MPT), mean flow rate (MFR), amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ), pitch perturbation quotient (PPQ), and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), and voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10) were examined and compared statistically between the pretreatment time and at each posttreatment time point.ResultsThe speaking F0 had an obvious decreasing tendency, with significant differences suggesting the increase in volume in the vocal folds. Aerodynamic parameters also showed small improvements. The most remarkable improvement was observed in the acoustic parameters, indicating that the treatment could improve the vocal fold to make vibrations symmetrically and regularly for a long period. Achievement of symmetry and regularity on vocal fold vibrations suggested the property changes had happened in the vocal folds. Consequently, the score of VHI-10 had improved, indicating high patient satisfaction with this treatment.Conclusionb FGF injections could be a reliable treatment option for diseases that deteriorate the property of vocal fold.     

Steroid injection for Reinke's edema using fiberoptic laryngeal surgery

OBJECTIVE: Since 1990, we have performed steroid injections into the vocal fold under topical anesthesia using fiberoptic laryngeal surgery (FLS) in an outpatient clinic. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the usefulness of this treatment method in 44 patients with mild Reinke's edema. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using fiberoptic monitoring of the larynx, a curved injection needle was inserted via the oral cavity and triamcinolone acetonide was injected into Reinke's space of the bilateral vocal fold. RESULTS: Remission or improvement was observed in almost all patients in terms of both patients' self-rating of hoarseness and endoscopic vocal fold findings The maximum phonation time was a mean of 9.0 s before operation and 11.4 safter operation, and this increase was significant (p < 0.01). Voice pitch also improved, from 168 to 181 Hz, in female patients, and this increase was also significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Steroid injection is considered to be useful for treating mild Reinke's edema.     

小儿声带沟的研究

目的：探讨小儿先天性声带沟的临床特征、诊断、治疗方法。方法：对56例声带沟患儿术前行电子喉镜检查,应用声带沟切开整复术治疗,不附加缝合及用组织或其他外物充填。结果：声带沟占同期嗓音障碍患儿的5．09％（56/1100）,5岁以前占80．04％。总有效率96．40％。结论：声带沟在小儿嗓音障碍中不罕见;出生时即有嗓音异常;多呈裂隙型和凹陷型,常有声带表皮样囊肿或息肉共存;声带沟切开整复术不失为一安全、有效、简捷的手术方式。     

Anatomical markers of Reinke's space and the etiopathogenesis of Reinke edema

On the basis of histological examination of normal human larynges, the authors have defined the anatomical and histological features of Reinke's space. It is sharply demarcated by dense fibrous tissue in the anterior commissure, along the vocal process of the arytenoid and beneath the free margin of the vocal cord. The upper limit is not always sharply demarcated, and on the upper surface Reinke's space varies considerably in size. It may include a half of the upper surface of the vocal cord, reaching usually to the bottom of the laryngeal ventricle and occasionally extending to include also the inferior surface of the ventricular fold. The authors suggest that the upper boundary of Reinke's space is functional. On the basis of the morphologic structure of Reinke's space a hypothesis of aetiopathogenesis of Reinke's oedema was set up. The patient's attempt to compensate the hoarseness by the use of the false vocal cords forces the fluid within Reinke's space towards the free edge of the vocal cord.     

A new surgical technique combining autologous intracordal transplantation of fat and fascia for sulcus vocalis]

We developed a new surgical technique combining autologous intracordal transplantation of fat and fascia for sulcus vocalis. Fat tissue from the abdominal wall and fascia from the postauricular region were obtained and an incision was made on the lateral portion of the vocal cord and a small pocket prepared in the lamina propria using an elevator. After inserting fat tissue into the pocket, fascia was inserted to cover the fat graft to prevent its escape from the pocket. The surgical wound was then sutured using absorbable sutures. No evidence of postoperative absorption of transplanted fat tissue was seen, and vocal function improved postoperatively. This method proved useful as surgical treatment for sulcus vocalis.     

Anatomical study of minor alterations in neonate vocal folds

IntroductionMinor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover are frequent causes of voice abnormalities. They may be difficult to diagnose, and are expressed in different manners. Cases of intracordal cysts, sulcus vocalis, mucosal bridge, and laryngeal micro-diaphragm form the group of minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover investigated in the present study. The etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of these alterations are poorly known.ObjectiveTo evaluate the existence and anatomical characterization of minor structural alterations in the vocal folds of newborns.Methods56 larynxes excised from neonates of both genders were studied. They were examined fresh, or defrosted after conservation via freezing, under a microscope at magnifications of 25× and 40×. The vocal folds were inspected and palpated by two examiners, with the aim of finding minor structural alterations similar to those described classically, and other undetermined minor structural alterations. Larynges presenting abnormalities were submitted to histological examination.ResultsSix cases of abnormalities were found in different larynges: one (1.79%) compatible with a sulcus vocalis and five (8.93%) compatible with a laryngeal micro-diaphragm. No cases of cysts or mucosal bridges were found. The observed abnormalities had characteristics similar to those described in other age groups.ConclusionAbnormalities similar to sulcus vocalis or micro-diaphragm may be present at birth.     

Patients’ perceptions of vocal problems: results from a survey in the Tokyo area

Laryngoscopy in cases of sulcus vocalis reveals bowed vocal folds, resulting in a spindle-shaped chink with glottal incompetence. The anatomic and functional problems and resulting incomplete glottal closure during phonation lead to the presenting symptoms of breathy hoarseness, decrease in maximum phonation time (MPT), and vocal fatigue. These symptoms, however, have been reported from the physician’s viewpoint, not the patient’s. Furthermore, no standardized guidelines for the treatment of sulcus vocalis have been established. Because the general attitude toward sulcus vocalis appears to have become ‘It is only a vocal problem and does not significantly affect the patient’s well-being,’ knowledge of sulcus vocalis has decreased and knowledge about choices of therapy remain limited. We therefore conducted an epidemiological questionnaire survey on this pathological condition in voice clinics in seven hospitals in the Tokyo area to establish preliminary guidelines for the management of sulcus vocalis, in reference to the opinion of the patients. Here we report the summary of our preliminary study ‘a survey for sulcus vocalis’ and suggest guidelines for the management of such pathological conditions. Although these management guidelines may result in improvement in the symptoms of sulcus vocalis, patients and physicians should be aware that treatment of this condition is difficult and improvement is not guaranteed.