Laryngeal Findings in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Introduction. Some studies have demonstrated that the intrinsic muscles of the larynx show no signs of damage to the muscle fiber and raise a possibility of preservation of the laryngeal muscles in muscular dystrophies. A cross-sectional study was implemented with a case series of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods. This study was carried out through a medical assessment through anamnesis and medical records, perceptual-auditory evaluation of the voice in 15 patients, and videolaryngoscopic evaluation in 11 patients. Results. All patients had the maximum phonation time of the vowel /e/ decreased, 7 (46.7%) had reduced loudness while 10 (66.7%) had vocal asthenia. There were no changes in muscular tone and mobility in the videolaryngoscopy. Discussion. Patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy do not present abnormalities suggestive of the involvement of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx but have vocal worsening due to pulmonary impairment.