Larynx and hypopharynx: MR imaging with surface coils.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal disorders require accurate imaging for diagnosis and staging.
• Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are commonly used modalities.
• Comparing the efficacy of MR and CT in evaluating these conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging versus CT scanning for disorders of the larynx and hypopharynx.
• To evaluate the ability of MR and CT to detect cartilage invasion, adenopathy, and disease spread.
• To determine the optimal imaging modality for these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Forty patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal disorders underwent MR imaging (axial, coronal, sagittal).
• Twenty-eight patients had CT scans; 17 underwent surgery with specimen analysis.
• Correlation was performed between MR, CT, clinical history, physical examination, and endoscopy.

Main Results:

• MR imaging demonstrated superior soft-tissue definition and disease extent compared to CT.
• Direct coronal and sagittal MR planes aided visualization of intrinsic laryngeal musculature and subtle tumor extension.
• Neither CT nor MR could depict microscopic disease spread or were less effective in postoperative/postirradiated necks.

Conclusions:

• Surface coil MR imaging is the preferred modality for evaluating larynx and hypopharynx disorders due to its superior soft-tissue contrast and ability to assess disease extent.
• MR imaging, particularly with direct coronal and sagittal planes, enhances the detection of tumor extension.
• Further advancements are needed to improve the detection of microscopic disease spread with current imaging techniques.