Deep Interarytenoid Notch in Young Children Managed with Systematic Thickener Wean and Injection Laryngoplasty

Abstract

A deep interarytenoid notch (DIN) is a normal congenital variation of the larynx where the interarytenoid notch height is below average. It is frequently found in young children and often associated with dysphagia and aspiration. The Aerodigestive Clinic (ADC) at PCH reported that 30% of young patients presenting with dysphagia and aspiration in 2013 were diagnosed with DIN. There exists both functional management with thickeners2 and surgical management with injection laryngoplasty (IL) 3-5. Thickener Wean Protocol (TWP) is a PCH developed 6 month protocol where thickening agents are systematically reduced on a weekly basis while clinical signs of aspiration, respiratory health, and oral motor skills are monitored to ensure safety with the least restrictive diet. An initial modified barium swallow (MBS) score is used in equivalence of thickener level, and patients do not repeat MBS during TWP. A gel (IL) is injected into the interarytenoid notch to close the anatomical gap. Our objective was to evaluate DIN patients who were managed with both thickeners and IL.