Prognostic value of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle atrophy in computerized tomography scans for unilateral vocal fold paralysis recovery

Doh Young Lee, Dmitriy Kogay, Seulki Song, Ye Ji Shim, Bo Hae Kim, Young Ju Jin, Seong Dong Kim, Yewon Kim, Eun Jae Chung, Tack Kyun Kwon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle atrophy observed on neck computed tomography (CT) in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Methods: CT images of 87 subjects with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) were evaluated to analyze the PCA muscle atrophy and to measure the severity of the PCA muscle atrophy in semi-quantitative manner. The grading of the PCA muscle atrophy was compared with the recruitment pattern of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) and restoration of vocal fold movement. Results: The PCA muscle was identifiable on CT in 73 subjects. Using the PCA muscle atrophy as an indicator of UVFP, we correctly predicted the paralysis in 69 (94.5%). Grade of the PCA muscle atrophy is significantly correlated with recruitment pattern of LEMG. If the positive result is defined as the PCA muscle showed moderate to severe degree of atrophy, we could predict the persistent UVFP in 88% of patients. Conclusions: PCA muscle atrophy identified on CT scan in patients with UVFP, is associated with low rates of return of mobility in the affected vocal fold.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)827-832
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Volume277
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Computed tomography
  • Electromyography
  • Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle
  • Vocal fold paralysis

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