Introduction
We report on three patients, who presented themselves at our clinic between February
and June 2021 with impaired voice, which resulted in an aphonia after having had Covid-19
infection.
Material & methods
Indirect laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy were performed in all patients. The voice
quality was limited in all patients. Voice analysis was performed perceptively (RHB
scheme) and objectively by computer-assisted analysis (Göttingen hoarseness diagram,
voice field). Self-assessment was performed using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI).
Results
Laryngoscopically, all patients showed laterally mobile vocal folds, non-irritant
mucosal conditions and a wide glottis. All patients showed wide, irregular vibration
amplitudes and incomplete glottis closure by videostroboscopy. Objective voice analysis
revealed pathological values for the irregularity and noise components as well as
the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI). In the VHI all patients documented a high-grade
voice disorder with a mean score >62. Our patients continued to suffer from dysphonia
6-9 months after initial presentation. Voice therapy did not provide satisfactory
voice improvement.
Discussion
Whether glottic hypofunction is due to sensorimotor dysfunction caused by neurotropic
coronavirus remains a conjecture. In addition, the hypofunction may be related to
the general reduced performance of the patients in post-covid-syndrome.
Conclusion
According to our literature research, this is the first description of dysphonia as
a possible symptom in post-covid-syndrome.
