Diagnostic Challenge of Sulcus Vocalis Made Easier

Abstract

Objectives: To introduce a simple diagnostic test performed with white light laryngoscopy for the diagnosis of sulcus vocalis. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective observational study. A total of 14 patients with voice-related complaints and a phonatory gap on examination were included. Obvious structural and neuromuscular glottic pathologies were excluded. Phonatory gap was measured using white light rigid laryngoscopy with the technique described here. Findings were then correlated with stroboscopy. Results: All 14 patients (10 U/L and 4 B/L), observed to have an asymmetric phonatory gap on white light rigid laryngoscopy, were diagnosed with sulcus vocalis. Conclusion: An asymmetric phonatory gap, as seen on white light laryngoscopy and measured with the simple technique mentioned here, should make the laryngologist suspect a sulcus vocalis. However, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by stroboscopy.