[High-speed digital imaging in the clinical analysis of voice change as a parameter of premenstrual syndrome].

Technique of high-speed digital imaging (HSDI) is unique technology, allowing assessment of real vocal fold vibrations.

AIM: The aim of the study is to present the usefulness of HSDI in the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphonia as a parameter of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In study conducted by Department of Clinical Phonoaudiology and Logopedics at the Medical University of Białystok participated 21 women aged between 20-31 years old. HSDI technique with a digital High Speed HS camera was used for visualization of the larynx. The rigid endoscope with 90° optics was used for visualizing the vocal folds vibrations during phonation of "e" vowel, at the rate of 4000 frames per second. Playback of recorded sequence set at 15 frames per second, allowed to assess vocal folds vibrations in slow motion mode. Mucosal wave (MW), glottal closure (GTs), symmetry, regularity and synchrony of vocal fold vibration were analyzed. Kymography of the larynx was made for analyzing the value of the Open Quotient (OQ) in the assessment of degree of glottal insufficiency. Study was conducted in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and then repeated 2-3 days before menstruation.

RESULTS: In the analyzed group of patients studied before menstruation only 19% of women complained of hoarseness and fatigue of voice, and 81% reported no problems with his voice but the edematous changes in the larynx was recorded by HSDI technique. No women had premenstrual dysphonia in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

CONCLUSIONS: HSDI allows objective assessment of the degree of severity of insufficiency of glottal closure and edematous changes in the vocal folds in premenstrual dysphonia, what is confirmed by the objective values of the OQ.