Predictive value of laryngeal pseudosulcus for gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the presence of laryngeal pseudosulcus is a good predictor of reflux in children.


METHODS
A retrospective review of clinical photographs of 66 children undergoing direct laryngoscopy for airway symptoms for the presence of laryngeal pseudosulcus. Its presence was correlated with positive reflux tests: 24 h pH monitoring, gastric scintiscan, barium swallow, and esophageal biopsy.


RESULTS
Fifty-six patients had a positive reflux test, and 89% of these had pseudosulcus. Seventy percent of the reflux-negative group (N=10) had no pseudosulcus. Sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 70%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
On its own the presence of pseudosulcus has marginal predictive use, but it is found more frequently among reflux-positive children and may be a useful marker to add to existing visual scoring systems.
Carr
Michele M
MM
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Pennsylvania State University and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, H091, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA. mcarr@psu.edu
Abu-Shamma
Usamah
U
Brodsky
Linda S
LS
D000293:Adolescent; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007819:Laryngeal Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity