Computed tomography of the normal larynx during quiet breathing and phonation

Computed tomography scans of the larynx were obtained during quiet breathing and during phonation in 10 volunteers having no neck or larynx abnormalities. The subglottic and glottic laryngeal cavity and soft tissues showed symmetry from side to side. At the supraglottic level, the pliable aryepiglottic folds and pyriform sinuses appeared moderately asymmetric and variable during quiet breathing. Phonation made them more symmetric. Phonation also allowed accurate determination of vocal cord function. The laryngeal cartilages were symmetric in their degree of calcification and had clearly visible centers of dense calcification. Computed tomography is a highly precise method for demonstrating the structures of the larynx.