Laryngeal electromyography: contribution to vocal fold immobility diagnosis
Kimaid, P.A.T.; Crespo, A.N.; Quagliato, E.M.A.B.; Wolf, A.; Viana, M.A.; Resende, L.A.L.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology 44(6): 371-374
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-150X PMID: 15473350 Document Number: 568335
Laryngeal Electromyography (LEMG) is a diagnostic test commonly used in patients with vocal fold movement disorder. The aim of this study is to describe LEMG in patients with vocal fold immobility. A total of 55 dysphonic patients with vocal fold immobility diagnosed by laryngeal endoscopy were grouped according to probable clinical cause: 1) unknown; 2) traumatic; or 3) tumoral compression. They were submitted to LEMG by percutaneous insertion of concentric needle electrode. LEMG was conclusive in all patients and showed a majority with peripheral nerve injury. LEMG diagnosed peripheral nerve damage in 25 group 1, 12 group 2, and 11 group 3 patients. LEMG was normal in 4 patients, suggesting cricoarytenoid joint fixation. Central nervous system disorders was suggested in 2 and myopathic pattern in 1. As the major cause of vocal fold immobility is peripheral nerve damage, LEMG is an important test to confirm diagnosis.