Diagnostic Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Athletes with Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to find out if we can use ultrasound to identify people with breathing problems from their vocal cords. Ultrasound machines use sound waves to see inside your body. In this case, we will be looking at the vocal cords in your neck. If we can use ultrasound to see this problem, then we won’t need to use a camera inside of a person’s throat to diagnose this problem.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

Females or males between 18 and 45 years of age
- Two of whom have been diagnosed with VCD based upon prior video laryngoscopy
- The other two of whom do not have known VCD or symptoms of VCD including:
  - Excessive dyspnea
  - Wheezing
  - Stridor
  - Exercise intolerance
Must be willing and able to participate in a submaximal ramp protocol exercise test on a stationary bike.

Exclusion Criteria:

Allergy to ultrasound gel
Current neck infection
Open skin lesion over the anterior neck
Inability to access the skin of the anterior neck (e.g, large beard, neck flexor muscle spasm, etc)
Laryngeal mass or tumor
Prior laryngeal surgery
Any condition that precludes the ability to perform a vigorous exercise test on a stationary bicycle (e.g., musculoskeletal pain, neurologic condition, peripheral vascular disease)
Pregnancy
History of a cardiac condition or cardiac surgery, more than one risk factor for coronary artery disease, or symptoms suggestive of a cardiac condition including palpitations, chest pain, or dizziness or loss of consciousness with exercise.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location	Status
Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic principal investigator Jonathan Finnoff, D.O.	Closed for enrollment
Minneapolis, Minn. Mayo Clinic principal investigator Jonathan Finnoff, D.O.	Closed for enrollment

Mayo Clinic Location

Status

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Jonathan Finnoff, D.O.

Closed for enrollment

Minneapolis, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Jonathan Finnoff, D.O.

Closed for enrollment

More information

Publications

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