Virtual laryngoscopy--preliminary experience.
OBJECTIVE
Computed tomographic virtual laryngoscopy is a non-invasive radiological technique that allows visualisation of intra-luminal surfaces by three-dimensional reconstruction of air/soft tissue interfaces. It is particularly useful when the patient cannot tolerate clinical examination, when infection, neoplasm or congenital defects compromise the lumen and for assessment of the sub-glottic region. We have performed virtual laryngoscopy on patients referred because of upper airway symptoms, and compared the findings with those at conventional laryngoscopy.


METHODS
Axial scans were obtained using a Toshiba Xpress helical scanner. Virtual laryngoscopy was then performed on a workstation using Toshiba "Fly-thru" software and was completed within 5 min.


RESULTS
Pathology included vocal cord nodules, laryngeal cysts, Reinke's oedema, laryngeal neoplasms and leukoplakia.


CONCLUSIONS
Virtual laryngoscopy displays anatomical detail comparable to conventional endoscopy. Impassable obstructions are no hindrance and all viewing directions are possible. It is especially useful for providing views of the larynx from below.
Byrne
A T
AT
Department of Radiology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin 24, Ireland.
Walshe
P
P
McShane
D
D
Hamilton
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007830:Larynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*