Correlation of Glottal Closure Using Concurrent Ultrasonography and Nasolaryngoscopy in Children: A Novel Approach to Evaluate Glottal Status

Abstract

Temporal characteristics of glottal motion can be quantified by USG with perfect reliability and safety. This method can be useful in measuring the presence and the duration of laryngeal adduction.

Ultrasound Imaging of Infant Swallowing During Breast-Feeding

“…Recently, ultrasound imaging of the anterior neck to visualize glottal motion has been used successfully to assess swallowing in children from 4.5 months to 7.1 years of age [26] and the esophagoglottal closure reflex in preterm infants after air infusion [27]. In addition, this approach has also been used to investigate both laryngeal elevation during swallowing in adults [44] and laryngeal pathology in both infants and children [45].…”

“…Ultrasound imaging is both noninvasive and flexible in its approach. Most recently, techniques have been developed to investigate swallowing of the fetus in utero [24], infants, and young children [25][26][27]. Ultrasound imaging resolution has improved dramatically over the last 30 years with the availability of higher-frequency transducers that have improved the visibility of infant oral structures, thus allowing more detailed assessment of sucking and swallowing [9].…”

Esophago-Glottal Closure Reflex in Human Infants: A Novel Reflex Elicited With Concurrent Manometry and Ultrasonography

“…USG was performed as described by us before (14). In this study, USG was performed concurrent with manometry using a Siemens Acuson Sequoia 512 ultrasound system (Mountain View, CA) equipped with a 15-18 MHz linear array transducer (operating between 12 MHz and 14 MHz).…”

“…USG images and manometric signals were acquired and integrated in real time by the MMS motility system, concurrent with respiratory inductance plethysmography. During a period of esophageal quiescence, air was infused abruptly and the glottal motion charac teristics (14) and esophageal peristaltic reflex characteristics were evaluated (10,12).…”

“…Whether any of these symptoms is related to esophageal provocation is unclear. Therefore, we developed and validated a noninvasive cribside approach to evaluate glottal motion using ultrasonography of the glottis (USG) during concurrent nasolaryngoscopy in infants (14). Application of the concurrent USG with esophageal provocation may therefore be feasible to evaluate the glottal response upon esophageal stimulation in human infants (15).…”