Laryngopharyngeal reflux image quantization and analysis of its severity

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent disease affecting a high proportion of patients seeking laryngology consultation. Diagnosis is made subjectively based on history, symptoms, and endoscopic assessment. The results depend on the examiner's interpretation of endoscopic images. There are still no consistent objective diagnostic methods. The aim of this study is to use image processing techniques to quantize the laryngeal variation caused by LPR, to judge and analyze its severity. This study proposed methods of screening sharp images automatically from laryngeal endoscopic images and using throat eigen structure for automatic region segmentation. The proposed image compensation improved the illumination problems from the use of laryngoscope lens. Fisher linear discriminant was used to find out features and classification performance while support vector machine was used as the classifier for judging LPR. Evaluation results were 97.16% accuracy, 98.11% sensitivity, and 3.77% false positive rate. To evaluate the severity, quantized data of the laryngeal variation was used. LPR images were combined with reflux symptom index score chart, and severity was graded using a neural network. The results indicated 96.08% accuracy. The experiment indicated that laryngeal variation induced by LPR could be quantized by using image processing techniques to assist in diagnosing and treating LPR.

Quantitative Measurement of Adult Human Larynx post General Anesthesia with Intubation

“…As in our previous report 5 , 6 , our module comprised a rigid 70° endoscope, laser pointers, and a reflection lens. Two parallel laser beams, with a distance of 1mm, were obtained from a laser excitation apparatus (H435151D/R, 515 nm).…”

“…In our previous study 5 , 6 , we developed a new laser device that can be quickly clipped onto a rigid endoscope, which can provide a precise measurement of laryngeal structures with a two-point laser. We also found a way to distinguish the laryngeal inflammatory state resulting from laryngo-pharyngeal reflux by using an artificial neural network (ANN) pattern recognition tool, which is more objective than a reflux finding score 6 .…”

“…In our previous study 5 , 6 , we developed a new laser device that can be quickly clipped onto a rigid endoscope, which can provide a precise measurement of laryngeal structures with a two-point laser. We also found a way to distinguish the laryngeal inflammatory state resulting from laryngo-pharyngeal reflux by using an artificial neural network (ANN) pattern recognition tool, which is more objective than a reflux finding score 6 . With this background knowledge, this study was conducted based on actual clinical data with absolute laryngeal measurement, color, and texture, which can be used in the analysis of mucosa change post general anesthesia with intubation.…”

Quantitative Measurement of Throat and Larynx After Endotracheal Intubation for Palatoplasty

“…As in our previous report ( 5 , 6 ), our module comprised a rigid 70° endoscope, laser pointers, and a reflection lens. Two parallel laser beams, with a distance of 1 mm, were obtained from a laser excitation apparatus (H435151D/R, 515 nm).…”

“…Accordingly, we are committed to finding a real-time and low invasive alternative, that can be implemented immediately in an outpatient setting. We have once introduced a new device composed of a rigid laryngoscope and laser pointers, which was the first report to measure the absolute values of the laryngeal and oropharyngeal structures ( 5 , 6 ). Although there is evidence that this type of outpatient screening is quite convenient and provides objective quantitative information, the applicability of the device in patients after surgery with endotracheal general anesthesia is still unclear.…”