Head and Neck ImagingLaryngeal framework deformity
The laryngeal cartilages seldom appear perfectly symmetrical. On cross-sectional studies, minor asymmetries, particularly in the
thyroid cartilage, are often noted. Rarely, such
cartilage asymmetry may be rather important and associated with functional disturbance, such as hoarseness or dysphonia, or even dysphagia. Laryngoscopy shows bulging of the laryngeal soft tissue, mimicking a submucosal tumor.
CT (or
MRI) excludes the presence of a tumor but reveals bowing of the left
thyroid lamina towards the laryngeal
lumen, in association with some deformaty of the underlying soft tissues (
Fig. 1).
The pathogenesis of this deformation is unknown. Traumatic etiology has been suggested but is unlikely, as this deformation for some unknown reason always involves the left side of the larynx, and in many cases the patient does not recall a previous
trauma to the larynx (see also
trauma, laryngeal
).
RH
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Already registered? Enter your e-mail in the window below.Re-registerFig. 01a
Axial CT-image at the supraglottic level in a patient presenting with hoarseness; the clinical examination suggested a left-sided submucosal lesion. The CT study shows symmetrical appearance of the thyroid cartilage with inwards depression of the left thyroid lamina (arrows), but no submucosal lesion (from: Hermans R, Schmalfuss IM, Benign pathology of the adult larynx. In: Hermans R (Ed.) Imaging of the larynx, Springer Verlag, 2002, p. 42, with permission).
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Laryngeal framework deformity, Fig. 01a | |