The Role of Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Vocal Fold Lesions

Abstract

Introduction:Since it was first suggested as a practical method of studying the larynx in 1960, ultrasonography has developed into a crucial and widely used diagnostic tool for conditions affecting the head and neck. Aim of the study:To evaluate the value of high-resolution ultrasonography as an easy, non-invasive method for diagnosing various vocal fold lesions as well as mobility disorders and correlate its findings with those of a laryngoscope examination. Subjects and Methods:We conducted this study at the Radiology Department in Fayoum University Hospital on thirty patients presenting with different vocal fold lesions for ultrasonographic examination of the head and neck between 2019 and 2021, which was approved by the local research ethical committee at the Faculty of Medicine at Fayoum University. Results:Vocal cord (VC) lesions without mobility affection were the most common sonographic finding (50%), especially VC polyp (20%), followed by (13.3%) for VC lesions with mobility affection, freely mobile both VC without any lesions during preoperative assessment, and freely mobile VC with mass lesion can't be assessed by ultrasound. Conclusion:Laryngeal ultrasonography is considered of great value in diagnosing different laryngeal lesions and can be used as a complementary procedure to laryngoscopy or an alternative in some cases. The limitation of laryngeal ultrasound is the calcification of thyroid cartilage with obscuration of distal structures, especially in elderly individuals.