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Laryngeal Dimensions: A Computed Tomography Study
Mohammad Waheed El-Anwar1, Ali Awad1, Atef Hussain1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Introduction:
The computed tomography (CT) details of the dimensions of the larynx are not fully covered in the literature, so it is important to build up a database for the CT measurements of that area in different ethnic groups. Preoperative details provided by CT are crucial prior to any procedure or approach involving the larynx.
Objective:
To measure and report the different dimensions of the larynx and vocal cords through CT.
Methods:
We analyzed 100 CTs of the larynx (200 vocal cords): axial images were acquired through multiplanar reformation to obtain minute details of all subjects.
Results:
The mean anteroposterior (AP) vocal fold length (VFL) was of 16.8 ± 2.6 (range: 11.8-22.9) mm, which was significantly longer in male subjects (mean = 18.4 ± 2.2 mm; range = 10.9-19.8 mm) compared to female subjects (mean = 15.3 ± 1.95 mm; range = 10.9-22.9 mm). The mean width of the subglottic area was of 14.88 ± 2.18 (range = 8.9-21.1) mm, which was significantly wider in male subjects (15.6 ± 2.13 mm; range = 9.1-21.1 mm) compared to female subjects (mean = 14.18 ± 1.99 mm; range = 8.9-17.8 mm). There was a positive correlation between the AP and transverse diameters of the subglotic area with the VFL: the longer the AP and transverse diameters of the subglottic area, the longer the VFL and vice versa.
Conclusion:
The present study improves the awareness of surgeons and radiologists of the laryngeal dimensions, and it can be of help to residents in training.
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