Computed tomography of the injured larynx

Computed tomography (CT) permitted a much more detailed appraisal of laryngeal dysfunction in patients with blunt laryngeal trauma (8 cases) and iatrogenic injury caused by radiation therapy (7 cases), surgery (2 cases), or intubation (1 case). In thyroid cartilage fractures, the fragments may be widely displaced. The cricoid ring breaks in two places, frequently involving the signet. CT facilitates diagnosis of the mechanism of injury based on the site and extent of fractures. The patterns of distortion and fibrosis of the laryngeal cartilage following radiation therapy may be manifested as encroachment on the airway, easily mistaken for recurrent tumor or localized edema. Minor distortion probably escapes detection on clinical examination. The authors consider CT the examination of choice in laryngeal injury.