Learning objectives
To provide an overview of the normal anatomy of the larynx with an emphasis on correlative imaging (ultrasound and magnetic resonance).
To show how to obtain a proper dynamic imaging study of vocal cords in comparison with laryngoscopic findings.
Background
Examination of the larynx and of its various components is mandatory in multiple clinical scenarios from simple laryngeal complaints such as hoarseness of voice to pre- and post-surgical patients.
The golden standard for the assessment of the larynx is laryngoscopy,
a time- and resource-consuming procedure which not all patients are willing to undergo.
CT and MRI are often used as complementary techniques to study laryngeal pathologies,
but both fail to evaluate vocal cords mobility.
Transcutaneous high-resolution laryngeal US is an unconventional but cost-effective,
fast and...
Findings and procedure details
The larynx is located in the anterior part of the neck,
near the inferior portion of the pharynx and superior to the trachea.
Its primary function is to protect the lower airway by closing upon mechanical stimulation,
halting respiration and preventing the entry of liquids or solids into the airway.
Other functions of the larynx include coughing,
the Valsalva maneuver,
control of ventilation and last but not least the production of sound (phonation),
which is particularly evolved in the human being.
The larynx is composed...
Conclusion
Transcutaneous high-resolution laryngeal US can be an excellent tool for a cost and time effective examination of laryngeal structures and mobility.
In particular,
it adds dynamic information to otherwise static cross-sectional imaging techniques.
References
-Ultrasonographic anatomy of head and neck; a pictorial for the ENT Specialist; Adrian Costache,
Mihai Dumitru,
Ion Anghel,
Romica Cergan,
Alina Georgiana Anghel,
Codrut Sarafoleanu
-Atlas of Head and Neck Ultrasound,
Heinrich Iro,
Alessandro Bozzato,
Johannes Zenk