The diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion in patients presenting with laryngeal carcinoma is essential for pre-therapeutic staging. Compared to CT, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a similar ability to define the interface between fat and tumor, but is superior for assessing muscle and cartilage invasion. Diffusion-weighted MRI may be indicated if there are equivocal findings in the CT, including possible cartilage invasion. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of diffusion-weighted MRI in predicting inner and outer thyroid cartilage laminae invasion in patients with laryngeal carcinoma. A prospective study was carried out between August 2011 and May 2013. The study included 26 patients. Twenty-three patients underwent total laryngectomy and three patients underwent partial laryngectomy. Histopathology reports of resected specimens and pre-operative staging were blind to the consultant radiologist who reviewed the scans to comment on thyroid cartilage invasion with special emphasis on inner and outer lamina invasion by conventional MRI criteria, contrast enhancement and DWI. The sensitivity, specificity, efficiency (correct classification rate), and positive and negative predictive values of MRI for identification of inner thyroid lamina invasion were: 93, 82, 88, 88 and 90 % respectively, while those of outer thyroid lamina invasion were: 85, 85, 85, 85 and 85 %, respectively. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed high validity and precision in detecting inner and outer thyroid lamina invasion. This can have an important impact on the decision making for management of laryngeal carcinoma.

Use of laser and MMC is good in thin glottic webs; LTR is indicated in glottic webs with thick subglottic extension. Not all high grade webs have thick subglottic extension. So, thickness of web and subglottic extension has to be assessed during microlaryngeal surgery, by laser incision and examination of web thickness to determine the appropriate management.

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An apparent diffusion coefficient threshold of 1.1 × 10-3 mm2/second is optimal for distinguishing laryngeal carcinomas from benign lesions. Apparent diffusion coefficient values were lower for patients with laryngeal carcinomas than for those with benign lesions.

Background The prevalence of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients is highly variable between different studies, ranging from 5.6% in the Asian population to 86% in the European population. The study aimed to detect the prevalence and the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in an Egyptian tertiary care center. A total of 579 hospitalized patients were enrolled. Demographic data as well as upper respiratory tract symptoms including olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and other risk factors were documented. Then the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions after 6 months was followed up. Results 50.6% had olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions (24.2% had a total smell and taste loss). A logistic regression analysis revealed a statistical significance between olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and female gender and presence. Most patients (88.4%) reported partial or complete recovery during the 6 months (28.0% and 60.4%, respectively), while 11.6% of patients did not recover. The median time to start recovery was 3 days, and the median time to the best recovery was 22 days. Conclusions Olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions should be recognized for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Most recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection starts within 3 days and reaches the best recovery within 19 to 24 days. Female gender and the presence of general symptoms are associated with olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in the hospitalized COVID-19 patients.