Laryngeal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of laryngeal involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ranges from 13 to 75%. The specific RA manifestations include the cricoarytenoid arthritis and the presence of rheumatoid nodules in the vocal folds. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of dysphonia and laryngeal alterations on videolaryngoscopy in RA patients and their association with disease activity. METHOD: This is a clinical cross-sectional study that evaluated patients with rheumatoid arthritis as to their disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28), laryngeal symptoms, application of a Portuguese version of the Voice Handicap Index and videolaryngoscopy findings, comparing them with a control group. RESULTS: We evaluated 47 (54%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 40 (46%) controls. The prevalence of dysphonia and videolaryngoscopy changes was respectively 12.8% and 72.4% in patients with RA. The mean of DAS-28 was 3.3 ± 1.2; 26 (74.3%) of 35 patients presenting active disease had laryngeal changes (p = 0.713). Posterior laryngitis was the most common diagnosis (44.7%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of laryngeal disorders in RA patients was 72.4% and the prevalence of dysphonia was 12.8%. There was no significant relationship between laryngeal disorders and disease activity.