Positron emission tomography/computed tomography as a method for detection and monitoring of laryngeal chondritis

Infections of the laryngeal cartilages occur clinically as local pain, dysphonia, dysphagia or dyspnoea and may lead to destruction of the laryngeal skeleton. We present positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) as a new method for detection and monitoring of laryngotracheal chondritis. We prospectively analyzed all patients undergoing PET-CT examination, of whom we were clinically suspicious of laryngeal cartilage chondritis. When a chondritis had been confirmed by PET, therapy was started, and the course of inflammation was monitored. Three patients were selected, where application of PET is demonstrated. We analyzed nine patients, five of them suffering from a present or past cancerous disease of the neck region. Four patients suffered from symptoms that occurred after percutaneous tracheotomy and long-term intubation. Chondritis of the laryngeal skeleton or upper parts of the trachea was diagnosed in seven of nine subjects by using PET-scan. PET-CT provides a reliable tool in diagnosis of laryngeal cartilage chondritis. Furthermore, it is an excellent tool in monitoring objectively presence and grade of an infection. This may play a decisive role in tracheal surgery or to estimate success of conservative therapy.