Multidetector computed tomography in nonmalignant laryngeal disease.

Storck C; Buitrago-Tellez C

doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e328359f358

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Journal article

Multidetector computed tomography in nonmalignant laryngeal disease.

Storck C Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. cstorck@uhbs.ch
Buitrago-Tellez C

2012-10-23

Published in:

Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery. - 2012

Multidetector Computed Tomography

English PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the examination of choice for laryngeal imaging in benign and malignant lesions. This review gives an overview of the MDCT scanning technique and discusses the advantages and disadvantages in investigation of benign lesions of the larynx.

RECENT FINDINGS
MDCT is not the primary diagnostic method for benign lesions on the vocal folds. However, CT is indispensable for the diagnostic investigation of immobility of the vocal fold, for laryngoceles, and for laryngeal trauma, and may allow the exact delineation of extension and nature of benign laryngeal disease. The improved spatial resolution with consecutive high-quality two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions using thin-slice MDCT allows a better detection of laryngeal anatomic structures and benign pathologies.

SUMMARY
The investigation of choice in diagnosing the cause of hoarseness is laryngoscopy and/or laryngostroboscopy, respectively. Nevertheless, thin-slice MDCT with multiplanar 2D and 3D volume-rendered reconstructions is essential for exact anatomic definition and extension and diagnosis of subtle benign laryngeal diseases.

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