High-resolution sagittal and coronal reformatted CT images of the larynx.

Abstract

Computed tomography has become the major technique for evaluation of patients with laryngeal corcinoma and trauma to the larynx. The routine examination usually consists of 5 mm contiguous selection through the larynx in quiet respiration. Reformatted images obtained from these sections have not been of clinical value, in part because of the poor resolution of these images. In the past, thin-section scanning (1.5 mm collimation) has been impractical because of the significant time required to scan the entire larynx. By using the technique of rapid sequential scanning with automated table incrementation this logistic difficulty can be overcome, and the total thin-section examination may be performed in less than 9 min. Sophisticated computer software allows rapid reformatting of transaxial images in sagittal and coronal planes. This report illustates the normal and abnormal appearance of the larynx on coronal and sagittal reformatted images and compares reformatted images using the routine technique to those using the thin-section technique.