[CT functional images of the larynx and hypopharynx]

Ten healthy volunteers and sixty-four patients with various abnormalities of the hypopharynx and larynx were examined by CT in different functional stages in order to study the normal anatomy and the diagnostic value of CT. CT images during quiet respiration are best for showing small glottic carcinomas. To demonstrate, or exclude, fixation of the vocal cords, it is important to obtain images during "E" phonation. Images during "E" phonation, or during Valsalva's manoeuvre, are essential for demonstrating small carcinomas of the hypopharynx and should be obtained in these cases. These images are also helpful in studying functional abnormalities from paralyses of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, trauma of the larynx and laryngoceles. Images during "E" phonation should therefore be obtained in addition to those during quiet respiration as part of the standard examination of the hypopharynx and larynx.