Laryngeal ultrasonography in infants and children: Anatomical correlation with fetal preparations

Abstract

Normal sonographic anatomy of the larynx in children was established by studying 40 healthy children and 3 fetuses. The normal anatomy is described on transverse sonograms passing at level of the ventricular bands, the true vocal cords and the subglottis and the interpretation of the sonographic aspect of the larynx is given. Ultrasound of the larynx seems to provide a good analysis of cartilaginous and endolaryngeal structures and can also show the dynamic aspect of the larynx. A pathological case is described as an illustration of the potentialities of this new way of imaging the larynx.

Value of ultrasonography in diagnosis of pediatric vocal fold paralysis

“…Transcervical ultrasound generally does not allow a complete evaluation of the adult larynx due to ossification and intraluminal air. On the other hand, the laryngeal cartilages in children are not calcified, so the endolaryngeal structures can be clearly identified in ultrasound images [4,[10][11][12][13]. In our study, we confirmed that ultrasound imaging could clearly show the normal pediatric larynx.…”

“…Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cannot reveal the mobility of the vocal fold in real time. A preliminary study by Garel et al [4] confirmed that ultrasound (US) imaging could show the normal pediatric larynx. Friedman [5] and Vats et al [6] reported that laryngeal US was useful in diagnosing pediatric VFP.…”

Sonographic demonstration of a congenital laryngeal cyst.

“…Paralysis of the vocal cords was excluded by direct observation of their movements during breathing and phonation. 7 Absence of vascular signals on Doppler interrogation associated with the anechoic aspect of the mass in our case excluded the diagnosis of hemangioma. 7 In conclusion, ultrasonographic examination is a noninvasive and easily reproducible way of investigating the infantile larynx and should be performed prior to the endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract.…”

“…6 Sonographic examination of the larynx is an easy and useful imaging modality in infants. 2,7,8 It allows a good analysis of the cartilaginous structures, muscles, and endolaryngeal structures. 7,8 As observed in this case, ultrasonography appears to be useful for the differential diagnosis of rare causes of stridor in an ill premature baby.…”

“…2,7,8 It allows a good analysis of the cartilaginous structures, muscles, and endolaryngeal structures. 7,8 As observed in this case, ultrasonography appears to be useful for the differential diagnosis of rare causes of stridor in an ill premature baby. In our case, ultrasonography was able to diagnose rapidly the cystic nature of the laryngeal mass, identify its precise location, and confirm the existence of suspected recurrence after initial limited endoscopic treatment (Fig.…”