Mariano Sturla MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Sebastian Sturla MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Leticia Flor Borrino MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria Laura Gregorio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Esteban Pedrozo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eduardo Galli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Show the relevance of arytenoids calcification in the evaluation of patients with Dysphonia.

Prospective control case study. 80 patients where studied with thin collimation non enhaced CT. Scan parameters were 0.5mmx64 (Toshiba-Aquilion) and 0.5mmx4mm with 4 row CT (Philips MX8000 Quad). In all patients we performed densitometric analysis of each arytenoid cartilage, using the mean HU( Houndsflield Units) with a free hand ROI placed in axial and coronal planes. Group A. 40/80 Patients,mean age 56.6, with symptoms of Dysphonia with normal optical endoscopies (we excluded known head and neck cancer). Control Group B 40/80 mean age 56.2 without symptoms of dysphonia and known head and neck cancer. In this group ct was performed for any other cause.

Arytenoids calcifications are strongly associated to dysphonia (P=0.005 CI=95%). Per group results were: Group A; 34/40 (85%) calcifications were found ,mean HU 350.Bilateral calcifications were identified in 33/34 (97,1%). Only one presented unilateral calcification. Values were between 120 and 1000UH and the main group were located near 260HU. In this group of patients conventional endoscopic studies were normal. 4/40 (10%) had values below 100HU (mean 67HU). They presented another findings such as vocal cord asymmetry in 3 and 1 goiter. 2/40 (5%) presented values below 100HU and no related findings.  Group B: 32/40 (80%) no calcification was identified. Mean HU 74. 7/40 (17,5%)presented mean value of 383HU. Values where between 114 and 1400HU, showing a significant dispersion. In all cases we discovered another findings, mainly vocal cord asymmetry. 1/40 (2,5%) showed only a unilateral calcification and no other associated finding.  

There is significant relationship between dysphonia and arytenoids calcification. CT provides extra information compared to optical endoscopies. Arytenoids calcifications may be an important finding in patients with dysphonia and should be reported always. We believe that further experience is needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Dysphonia is a very common symptom and usually arytenoids calcifications are reported as normal. In this study we observed a significant relationship between dysphonia and arytenoids calcification.

Sturla, M, Sturla, S, Borrino, L, Gregorio, M, Pedrozo, E, Galli, E, Dysphonia: Arytenoids Calcification—Is This a Relevant Finding?.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9001877.html