[Influence of thyroid cartilage ossification in laryngeal ultrasound].
BACKGROUND
Topological features of the larynx and hypopharynx may be depicted during sonographic examination of the neck, although ultrasound is seen of minor diagnostic importance. The varying extend of thyroid cartilage ossification appears to be the major limiting factor. We intended to assess the sonographic accessability of laryngeal structures with high end resolution ultrasound devices.


METHODS
We examined 101 patients endoscopically and by ultrasound. Normal laryngeal findings and pathologies were examined and analysed considering limitations by thyroid cartilage ossification.


RESULTS
Despite varying grades of ossification, the majority of laryngeal structures were clearly displayed by ultrasound. Ossification was increasing in the elderly. In 16 cases (16 %) ossification prevented a successful evaluation. In 9 cases of malignant tumor and one laryngocele sonographic assessment was able to contribute additional diagnostic information.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound of the larynx requires methodical experience of the operator but is capable to depict relevant anatomic structures, even with presence of thyroid cartilage ossification, thus being able to increase diagnostic impact and may save additional imaging modalities.
Bozzato
A
A
Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. alessandro.bozzato@hno.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Zenk
J
J
Gottwald
F
F
Koch
M
M
Iro
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004724:Endoscopy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014827:Vocal Cords