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Original Research—Laryngology and Neurolaryngology

Diagnostic Yield of Computed

Tomography in the Evaluation of

Idiopathic Vocal Fold Paresis

Otolaryngology–

Head and Neck Surgery

2015, Vol. 153(3) 414–419

American Academy of

Otolaryngology—Head and Neck

Surgery Foundation 2015

Reprints and permission:

sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav

DOI: 10.1177/0194599815593268

http://otojournal.org

Paul M. Paddle, MD, MPH

, Masaany B. Mansor, MD

Phillip C. Song, MD

, and Ramon A. Franco Jr, MD

No sponsorships or competing interests have been disclosed for this article.

Abstract

Objective.

To determine the diagnostic yield of computed

tomography (CT) in establishing an etiology in patients with

idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paresis (IUVFP). To determine

the proportion of CT scans yielding incidental findings

requiring further patient management.

Study Design.

Case series with chart review.

Setting.

Tertiary laryngology practice.

Subjects.

Laryngology clinic patients under the care of the 2

senior authors.

Methods.

All clinic patients were identified who had a diag-

nosis of IUVFP and underwent CT of the skull base to the

upper mediastinum from 2004 to 2014. Demographic, his-

torical, examination, and investigation data were extracted.

CT reports and endoscopic recordings were reviewed.

Patients were excluded if there were insufficient clinical find-

ings recorded or if there was a known neurologic disorder,

complete vocal fold immobility, or bilateral involvement.

Results.

A total of 174 patients with IUVFP who had also

undergone contrast-enhanced CTwere identified. Of the 174

patients, 5 had a cause for their paresis identified on CT. This

equated to a diagnostic yield of 2.9% (95% confidence inter-

val, 0.94% to 6.6%). Of the 174 patients, 48 had other inci-

dental lesions identified that required further follow-up,

investigation, or treatment. This equated to an incidental

yield of 27.6% (95% confidence interval, 21.1% to 34.9%).

Conclusion.

This is the second and largest study to evaluate

the diagnostic yield of CT in the evaluation of IUVFP. It

demonstrates a low diagnostic yield and a high incidental

yield. These findings suggest that the routine use of CT in the

evaluation of idiopathic vocal fold paresis should be given

careful consideration and that a tailored approach to investi-

gation with good otolaryngologic follow-up is warranted.

Keywords

idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paresis, computed tomogra-

phy, diagnostic yield, incidental yield

Received October 26, 2014; revised May 6, 2015; accepted June 5,

2015.

ocal fold paresis implies vocal fold hypomobility

due to neurologic injury, with a peripheral etiology

in 90% of cases. It may result from weakness of the

vagus nerve or its superior or recurrent laryngeal branches.

This may occur anywhere in its course—from the lower

motor neurons in the nucleus ambiguus of the medulla

through the jugular foramen, neck, and mediastinum. Vocal

fold paresis is unilateral in 90% of cases.

Paresis is the most common cause of vocal fold hypomo-

bility, being present in 90% of cases.

Other causes of vocal

fold hypomobility include myopathies (4%) and cricoaryte-

noid joint dysfunction (6%). Paresis is an increasingly

recognized phenomenon in patients with laryngologic com-

plaints. Previous studies reported mild vocal fold hypomobi-

lity in 46% of patients with vocal complaints, 71% of

singing teachers with complaints of technical difficulties,

and 23% of singing teachers with no vocal complaints.

1,2

Diagnosis of vocal fold paresis requires a high index of sus-

picion. The symptoms of vocal fold paresis are more varied

and subtle than paralysis. Classic symptoms of glottic

insufficiency—such as breathy dysphonia, diplophonia, aspira-

tion, and dysphagia—may be absent or muted. Instead, the

patient may complain of a loss of quality volume and range,

vocal instability, and increased phonatory effort.

Atypical

symptoms, such as globus, chronic cough, and laryngospasm,

are also described.

Unlike the findings of an established vocal fold paralysis,

such as vocal fold atrophy, bowing, and arytenoid prolapse,

the examination findings of unilateral vocal fold paresis are

subtle and difficult to discern from nonpathologic asymme-

tries. Findings may include asymmetric vocal fold range

and velocity of movement, decreased ipsilateral false vocal

Harvard Medical School, Division of Laryngology, Massachusetts Eye and

Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Corresponding Author:

Paul M. Paddle, MD, Harvard Medical School, Division of Laryngology,

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

Email:

paulpaddle@me.com

Reprinted by permission of Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015; 153(3):414-419.