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An endoscopic grading system for vocal process granuloma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2008

D G Farwell ,
P C Belafsky  and
C J Rees
D G Farwell*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
P C Belafsky
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
C J Rees
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
*
Address for correspondence: Dr D Gregory Farwell, Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Davis, 2521 Stockton Blvd, Suite 7200, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

A reliable grading system allows the clinician to classify disease severity, monitor progress and evaluate treatment efficacy. There is no currently accepted grading system for vocal process granuloma of the larynx.

Aim:

To evaluate the reliability of a new grading system for vocal process granuloma.

Methods:

All vocal process granuloma images from a digital laryngeal image library were abstracted. Granulomas were graded on a one to four system, as follows: grade one, sessile, non-ulcerative granuloma limited to vocal process; grade two, pedunculated or ulcerated granuloma limited to vocal process; grade three, granuloma extending past vocal process but not crossing midline of airway in fully abducted position; and grade four, granuloma extending past vocal process and past the midline of the airway in the fully abducted position. The granulomas were additionally graded A if unilateral and B if bilateral. Two laryngologists and two otolaryngology residents rated the granulomas on two separate occasions. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was evaluated with the kappa (κ) test statistic.

Results:

Thirty-five vocal process granulomas were identified. The percentage intra-observer agreement for the two laryngologists was 97 and 100 per cent (κ = 0.94 and 1.00, respectively). The percentage inter-observer agreement between the two laryngologists was 91 per cent (κ = 0.83). The percentage intra-observer agreement for the two residents was 89 and 91 per cent (κ = 0.83 and 0.77, respectively). The percentage inter-observer agreement between the two residents was 83 per cent (κ = 0.67).

Conclusions:

The proposed grading system for vocal process granuloma displayed excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability among residents and experienced laryngologists.

Keywords

Voice DisordersArytenoid CartilageGranulomaLarynx
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 10 , October 2008 , pp. 1092 - 1095
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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Footnotes

Presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meeting, September, 20 2006, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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