Usefulness of the Laryngeal Electromyography in Diagnosis of Vocal Fold Paresis

성대 부전 마비의 진단에서 후두 근전도 검사의 유용성

Background and Objectives : Vocal fold paresis is a clinical condition and considered as a continuum of neurologic dysfunction encompassing partial denervation and variable degrees and patterns of reinnervation. Its incidence, clinical presentation, significance are incompletely understood and still debated. This study describes the clinical, electromyographic findings in patients who presented with complaints of dysphonia and whose laryngoscopic finding revealed vocal fold paresis. Materials and Method : 47 patients (male : 25, female : 22) who referred to Ewha Womans University Medical Center Voice clinic for evaluation of vocal complaints were enrolled in this study. All patients had undergone a through history and physical examination including strobovideoscopic and laryngoscopic examination. Patients with in the history and/or laryngoscopic examination suggestive of vocal fold paresis were evaluated by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). Results : Of these patients, 23 (48.9%) were found to have evidence of neuropathy on LEMG. There was no significant difference in voice symptoms and laryngoscopic findings between two groups of patients with evidence of neuropathy and who show normal findings on LEMG. Conclusion : LEMG can clinically help to guide the evaluation and management of vocal fold paresis. Due to some limitations of LEMG, laryngoscopic findings and clinical correlations should also be considered when diagnosing the vocal fold paresis.