Dynamic Voice Computed Tomography for Dysphonia Disproportionate to Clinical Findings
In brief
Dynamic voice CT influenced surgical decisions in 93% of 15 patients
In this retrospective series, dynamic voice CT revealed relevant anatomic details beyond videostroboscopy in all 15 adults with complex dysphonia. It confirmed surgical candidacy in 47%, changed planned procedures in 33%, and helped avoid surgery in 13%; the small, specialized cohort leaves its value in broader practice uncertain.
- Journal
- The Laryngoscope (Q1)
- Published
- 2 November 2026
- Study design
- Retrospective cohort
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Peter J Larson, Ari D Schuman, Aaron D Friedman, Gregory R Dion, Michael B Burch, Rebecca J Howell
- PMID
- 42972625
- DOI
- 10.1002/lary.71001
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Anatomy (top studies of the week, 8 November 2026): Dynamic CT reveals clinically relevant glottic anatomy for surgical planning
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Accurate evaluation of glottic anatomy in adults with dysphonia can be challenging when videostroboscopy is limited by altered anatomy, supraglottic hyperfunction, or posterior glottic pathology. We sought to evaluate the clinical utility of Dynamic Voice Computed Tomography (DVCT) in complex adult voice patients with prior laryngeal framework surgery or suspected posterior glottic insufficiency (PGI). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 15 adult patients undergoing DVCT for evaluation of dysphonia at a tertiary laryngology practice between February 2025 and February 2026. Demographics, prior surgical history, standardized voice measures, videostroboscopy findings. RESULTS: Fifteen adults underwent DVCT (mean age 62.8 years; 40% female). Ten had prior thyroplasty, and five had known or suspected PGI. All had abnormal acoustic and perceptual voice measures out of proportion to stroboscopy appearance. DVCT imaging findings and clinical management were analyzed. DVCT provided additional clinically relevant anatomic information beyond videostroboscopy in all patients. Imaging most commonly identified posterior glottic insufficiency, vertical height mismatch, implant malposition, or arytenoid malposition not fully appreciated on stroboscopy. CT findings influenced surgical decision-making in the majority of patients, confirming candidacy in 47%, altering planned procedures in 33%, and avoiding surgery in 13%. CONCLUSIONS: DVCT is a useful tool in the evaluation of dysphonic adults with prior laryngeal framework surgery or PGI, providing complementary characterization of glottic anatomy that informs surgical decision making.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.