Computed Tomography of the Injured Larynx

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) permitted a much more detailed appraisal of laryngeal dysfunction in patients with blunt laryngeal trauma (8 cases) and latrogenic injury caused by radiation therapy (7 cases), surgery (2 cases), or intubation (1 case). In thyroid cartilage fractures, the fragments may be widely displaced. The cricoid ring breaks in 2 places, frequently involving the signet. CT facilitates diagnosis of the mechanism of injury based on the site and extent of fractures. The patterns of distortion and fibrosis of the laryngeal cartilage following radiation therapy may be manifested as encroachment on the airway, easily mistaken for recurrent tumor or localized edema. Minor distortion probably escapes detection on clinical examination. CT is considered to be the examination of choice in laryngeal injury.