RESEARCH - Glottis morphology in RA

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Otolaryngol Pol. 2007;61(1):85-90.

[Glottis morphology in rheumatoid arthritis]

Amernik K, Tarnowska C, Brzosko I, Grzelec H, Burakl M.

Katedra i Klinika Otolaryngologii i Onkologii Laryngologicznej PAM w

Szczecinie.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the connective

tissue, which can affect larynx and cricoarytenoid (CA) joints, as well. The

AIM of this study was assessment of 1) glottis morphology and frequency of

laryngeal structures involvement in RA of peripheral joints and 2)

evaluation of rheumatoid patients' complaints which can indicate the

laryngeal involvement. MATERIAL: 77 patients were examined (71 women and 16

men) in the age from 19 to 77 (mean 56,69). RA duration was from 1 month to

29 years (mean 9,38). RA was active in 61% of patients. Method: Anamnesis,

physical examination, videolaryngoscopy, computer tomography,

electromyography. RESULTS: The most frequent complaints were: foreign body

sensation in the throat (51%), hoarseness (47%) with accompanying weakness

of voice and dysphagia. In videolaryngoscopic examination swelling and/or

redness of mucosal tissue in CA area was observed in 45% of patients. In 3

women impairment of vocal folds was stated, in 1 it was limitation of right

vocal fold mobility and in 2 bilateral vocal folds immobility and

tracheotomy was necessary. In patients with active RA and with foreign body

sensation in the throat significantly more often inflammatory changes in

larynx were visible.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. Rheumatoid inflammation in the larynx is demonstrated by

swelling and/or redness of mucosal tissue in CA area and in some individuals

by its immobilization. 2. In the periods of RA intensification complains of

foreign body sensation in the throat and hoarseness may indicate on

laryngeal involvement. Our study results justify a suggestion of

continuation of the morphological and functional changes estimation in

patients with peripheral RA.

PMID: 17605425

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17605425

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