Learning objectives
To recognize the anatomic structures that conform to the Larynx and their importance in the evaluation of the Larynx pathology.
To mention the imaging patterns of Laryngeal traumatic lesions and most common Laryngeal infections.
To Describe the Laryngeal neoplastic pathology, its imaging evaluation, and dissemination patterns in the radiological systematic approach.
Background
The Larynx is a tube of squamous epithelium mucosa, with a cartilaginous skeleton and connecting ligaments, together with intrinsic muscles of the larynx surrounded by fatty spaces, and responsible for phonation and protection of the airway. It is located in the anterior portion of the neck and superior to the trachea. (1)
There are multiple pathologies that affect the larynx, from infectious, traumatic to tumorous, and therefore, it is the radiologist's duty to be familiar with them in order to be a crucial part of...
Findings and procedure details
EMBRYOLOGY:
Its embryonic development occurs from the 4th week of gestation and is closely related to the development of the trachea. It comes from the ventral groove of the laryngotracheal groove that deepens forming a septum that separates the laryngotracheal tube from the esophagus.It is generated from the endoderm and mesenchyme adjacent to the primitive intestine between the 4th and 6th-gill arch. - The hypobranchial eminence will give origin to the epiglottis and the cuneiforms.- The 4th arch and 6th arch will give origin to...
Conclusion
Laryngeal trauma is a rare life-threatening condition in the emergency department, therefore, a systematic approach to traumatic laryngeal injuries is vital in order to rule out or confirm life-threatening injuries in the patient.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the larynx, a multidisciplinary approach in conjunction with Otorhinolaryngology and Radiology favors an individualized treatment of the patient with this pathology.
Knowledge of the anatomy of the laryngeal structures is essential for the diagnostic imaging approach.
Personal information and conflict of interest
H. D. J. Rueda-Chaparro:
Nothing to disclose
C. Gómez-Rodríguez:
Nothing to disclose
S. Cifuentes-Sandoval:
Nothing to disclose
References
Moore Keith L., Persaud T.V.N., Torchia Mark G. Embriología clínica. 9na edición. Barcelona: Elsevier. 2013
Frank Pameijer, Robert Hermans. Imaging Techniques, Radiological Anatomy, and Normal Variants. En R. Hermans. Imaging of the Larynx. Editorial Springer. 2013; 9-23.
Junzi Shi, et al. Multidetector CT of Laryngeal Injuries: Principles of Injury Recognition. RadioGraphics 2019; 39:879-892.
Minerva Becker, et al. Imaging of laryngeal trauma. European Journal of Radiology 2014; 83: 142-154.
Robert Hermans, Ilona M.Schmalfuss. Benign Pathology of the Adult Larynx and radiology of Pediatric Laryngeal Pathology. En...