In the differential diagnosis of hoarseness, most physicians consider such disorders as tumor, infection, or altered innervation of the larynx. While these are important causes of hoarseness, another disorder resulting in this symptom is overlooked frequently. This disorder, dysphonia plicae ventricularis (DPV) is one in which hoarseness is the result of phonation with the false vocal cords (ventricular bands). The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the clinical features, diagnosis, and therapy of this common, benign condition.
Report of Cases
Case 1.—
A 75-year-old woman entered the Salt Lake County General Hospital on Jan. 10, 1955, complaining of an intermittent cough of 3 weeks' duration. Persistent hoarseness also had been present for one week. She denied hemoptysis, chest or throat pain, fever, voice strain, smoking, or previous hoarseness.On physical examination the only pertinent findings were severe hoarseness and a brassy cough. Thickened false vocal cords were