Preliminary study of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of vocal cord polyps / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the characteristics of vocal cord polyps and to study the application value of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of vocal cord polyps.Methods:A total of 169 patients diagnosed with vocal cord polyps ( 176 polyps in total ) by pathology in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from December 2016 to September 2021 were collected, the ultrasonic image characteristics of vocal cord polyps were summarized, and the characteristics of thyroid cartilage calcification at glottic level and the influence of the calcification range of thyroid cartilage at glottic level on the display of vocal cord polyps were observed.Results:The sonogram images of all vocal cord polyps showed the localized uniform low echo between the upper cortex and the ligament layer, the morphology could be circular and flat, and all polyps could be divided into high tension type and low tension type, no blood flow signal was found in 96.8% of the polyps. Round polyps were more easier to be detected by ultrasound than flat polyps, but there was no significant difference( P>0.05). The incidence of thyroid cartilage calcification at glottis level was higher in men than in women, and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). The range of thyroid cartilage calcification at the glottic level affects the display rate of vocal cord polyps.With the increase of calcification range, the display rate of vocal cord polyps gradually decreased. There was significant difference in the display rate of vocal cord polyps between non calcification group and moderate calcification group, non calcification group and severe calcification group(all P<0.05). Conclusions:Vocal cord polyps have typical sonographic appearance. High-frequency ultrasound can identify the morphology, location and size of vocal cord polyps. Especially for patients with no or mild calcification of thyroid cartilage at glottic level, ultrasound can meet the requirements of accurate diagnosis. It is expected to become an effective supplement to laryngoscopy, and apply for to the preliminary screening of vocal cord polyps and postoperative review.

Características Tomográficas de la Anatomía Laríngea Normal en pacientes que acuden al Servicio de Medicina en Imágenes del Hospital de Clínicas San Lorenzo, Paraguay 2020

RESUMEN Introducción: La tomografía computarizada es el estudio Gold standard para complementar a la endoscopia en el estudio de patologías laríngeas. Por lo tanto, se debe tener conocimiento de la anatomía normal de la laringe. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal retrospectivo. Se recolecto los datos a través del análisis tomográfico, se analizaron 26 tomografías de pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Imágenes del Hospital de Clínicas sin patología laríngea. Las variables investigadas fueron características tomográficas como: Calcificación cartílagos laríngeos, Altura cartílago tiroideo, Distancia tiro-aritenoidea, Distancia interaritenoidea, Altura y diámetro del espacio preepiglótico. Resultados: Se lograron identificar cada una de las características anatómicas radiológicas buscadas. Además, se realizaron las mediciones correspondientes, detallando el promedio de cada una de las mediciones y clasificándolo por sexo. La altura de cartílago tiroideo la media en hombres fue 28.05±1.2 mm y en mujeres fue 27.8±0.92 mm, para la distancia Tiro-aritenoidea en hombres fue 12.3±1.3 y en mujeres 10.97±0.95 mm, para el diámetro transversal del cartílago tiroideo en hombres fue 16.63±1.58 mm y en mujeres 17.96±1.11 mm. Conclusión: Los promedios de las mediciones realizadas fueron mayor en hombres excepto en el diámetro transversal del cartílago tiroideo, La prevalencia de calcificación de cartílagos laríngeos fue del 54% de los pacientes estudiados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Computed tomography is the Gold standard study to complement endoscopy in the study of laryngeal pathologies. Therefore, knowledge of the normal anatomy of the larynx is required. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out. Data were collected through tomographic analysis, 26 tomographies of patients who attended the Imaging Service of the Hospital de Clínicas without laryngeal pathology were analyzed. The variables investigated were tomographic characteristics such as: laryngeal cartilage calcification, thyroid cartilage height, thyro-arytenoid distance, interarytenoid distance, height and diameter of the pre-epiglottic space. Results: Each of the radiological anatomical characteristics sought were identified. In addition, the corresponding measurements were taken, detailing the average of each of the measurements and classifying them by sex. The average thyroid cartilage height in men was 28.05±1.2 mm and in women was 27.8±0.92 mm, for the thyro-arytenoid distance in men was 12.3±1.3 and in women 10.97±0.95 mm, for the transverse diameter of the thyroid cartilage in men was 16.63±1.58 mm and in women 17.96±1. 11 mm. Conclusions: The averages of the measurements taken were higher in men except for the transverse diameter of the thyroid cartilage. The prevalence of laryngeal cartilage calcification was 54% of the patients studied.

Damage control of laryngotracheal trauma: the golden day / Control de daños del trauma laringotraqueal: todo en 24 horas

Abstract Laryngotracheal trauma is rare but potentially life-threatening as it implies a high risk of compromising airway patency. A consensus on damage control management for laryngotracheal trauma is presented in this article. Tracheal injuries require a primary repair. In the setting of massive destruction, the airway patency must be assured, local hemostasis and control measures should be performed, and definitive management must be deferred. On the other hand, management of laryngeal trauma should be conservative, primary repair should be chosen only if minimal disruption, otherwise, management should be delayed. Definitive management must be carried out, if possible, in the first 24 hours by a multidisciplinary team conformed by trauma and emergency surgery, head and neck surgery, otorhinolaryngology, and chest surgery. Conservative management is proposed as the damage control strategy in laryngotracheal trauma.

Resumen El trauma laringotraqueal es poco frecuente, pero con alto riesgo de comprometer la permeabilidad la vía aérea. El presente artículo presenta el consenso de manejo de control de daños del trauma laringotraqueal. En el manejo de las lesiones de tráquea se debe realizar un reparo primario; y en los casos con una destrucción masiva se debe asegurar la vía aérea, realizar hemostasia local, medidas de control y diferir el manejo definitivo. El manejo del trauma laríngeo debe ser conservador y diferir su manejo, a menos que la lesión sea mínima y se puede optar por un reparo primario. El manejo definitivo se debe realizar durante las primeras 24 hora por un equipo multidisciplinario de los servicios de cirugía de trauma y emergencias, cirugía de cabeza y cuello, otorrinolaringología, y cirugía de tórax. Se propone optar por la estrategia de control de daños en el trauma laringotraqueal.

Estudio comparativo de laringes humanas y de cerdos: hacia un modelo de entrenamiento quirúrgico / Comparative study of human and pig larynxes: towards a surgical training model

Introducción: La laringe de cerdo doméstico tiene similitudes con la laringe humana. La capacidad elástica de las cuerdas vocales del cerdo demuestran tener la mayor similitud con la humana comparado con otros animales por lo que se ha propuesto usar las laringes de cerdo como modelo de entrenamiento quirúrgico. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias y similitudes anatómicas e histológicas entre la laringe del cerdo y la humana. Material y método: Se realizaron mediciones por 4 observadores en 5 laringes porcinas cuyos resultados se compararon con los descritos en la literatura para las laringes humanas. Además se realizaron cortes histológicos para visualizar fibras elásticas, mucinas neutras y mucinas ácidas. Resultados: El cartílago tiroides porcino mide entre las astas superiores 37,55 ±7,30 mm, entre astas inferiores 31,33 ±3,27 mm, desde la prominencia laríngea al borde posterior 34,32 ±7,30 mm. En el cartílago cricoides, desde el borde superior-inferior en el arco anterior 7,28 ±2,21 mm, altura borde superior-inferior pared posterior 27,47 ±3,40 mm, ancho máximo pared posterior 30,99 ±4,51 mm, diámetro interior anteroposterior (borde cefálico) 30,90 ±2,12 mm, diámetro interior anteroposterior (borde caudal) 21,78 ±2,55 mm, diámetro interior derecha-izquierda (borde cefálico) 18,11 ±2,13 mm, diámetro interior derecha-izquierda (borde caudal) 21,10 ±2,40 mm. Histológicamente, la laringe de cerdo y humana presentan leves diferencias en cuanto al epitelio de cada porción de la laringe, a pesar de que el tipo de cartílago es el mismo en ambas especies. Conclusión: Si bien existen diferencias anatómicas e histológicas entre la laringe de cerdo y el humano, el modelo porcino es una alternativa útil, accesible y de bajo costo para el entrenamiento en cirugía laringotraqueal y microcirugía laríngea.

Introduction: The domestic pig larynx has similarities with the human larynx. The elastic capacity of the vocal folds of the pig has the greater similarity with the human one compared with other animals. It has been proposed to use the porcine larynx as a model for surgical training. Aim: To determine the anatomical and histological differences and similarities between the pig larynx and the human larynx. Material and method: Measurements were made by 4 observers in 5 porcine larynxes whose results were compared with those described in the literature. In addition, histological sections were performed to visualize elastic fibers, neutral mucins and acid mucins. Results: The porcine thyroid cartilage measured 37.55 ±7.30 mm between the upper horns, 31.33 ±3.27 mm between lower horns and 34.32 ±7.30 mm from the laryngeal prominence to the posterior margin. In the cricoid cartilage, from the upper-lower edge in the anterior arch 7.28 ±2.21mm, height upper-lower edge posterior wall 27.47 ±3.40 mm, maximum posterior wall width 30.99 ±4.51 mm, anteroposterior inner diameter (head margin) 30.90 ±2.12 mm, inner diameter anteroposterior (caudal edge) 21.78 ±2.55 mm, inner diameter right-left (head edge) 18.11 ±2.13 mm, inner diameter right-left (caudal edge) 21.10 ±2.40 mm. Histologically, the pig and human larynxes present slight differences in the epithelium of each portion of the larynx, despite the fact that type of cartilage is the same in both species. Conclusions: Although there are anatomical and histological differences between the pig larynx and the human larynx, the porcine model is a useful, accessible and low cost alternative for training in laryngotracheal surgery and laryngeal microsurgery.

Analysis of risk factors for thyroid cartilage invasion in laryngeal carcinoma and the value of tumor volume based on DECT derived iodine overlay image in diagnosing thyroid cartilage invasion / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To investigate the risk factors associated with thyroid cartilage invasion in laryngeal carcinoma, and to analyze the efficacy of tumor volume based on dual-energy CT (DECT) derived iodine overlay image for diagnosing thyroid cartilage invasion. Methods: Totally 108 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into thyroid cartilage invasion group (n=49) and non-invasion group (n=59). The clinic data and the tumor volume based on DECT derived iodine overlay image were compared. The risk factors related to thyroid cartilage invasion in laryngeal carcinoma were analyzed using binary Logistic regression, and the efficacy of each risk factor in diagnosing thyroid cartilage invasion was further analyzed. Results: No significant difference in gender, age, disease duration and tumor differentiation between thyroid cartilage invasion group and non-invasion group (all P>0.05), while the clinical type of tumor, anterior commissure involvement and tumor volume were significantly different between the two groups (all P<0.01). The Logistic regression analysis showed that tumor volume based on iodine overlay image (P<0.01) and anterior commissure involvement (P=0.03) were risk factors of thyroid cartilage invasion. Taking the tumor volume=3.91 cm3 as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion were 93.90% and 89.80%, with the Youden index of 0.84 and AUC of 0.97 (95%CI [0.94, 0.99], P<0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Tumor volume based on DECT derived iodine map and anterior commissure invasion are risk factors for thyroid cartilage invasion in laryngeal carcinoma. Tumor volume based on DECT derived iodine map can be used to diagnose thyroid cartilage invasion.

Trauma laríngeo externo y fractura de cartílago tiroides: revisión de la literatura / External laryngeal trauma and thyroid cartilage fracture: a literature review

RESUMEN El trauma laríngeo constituye un grupo de lesiones infrecuentes, pero de gran importancia clínica dada su alta morbimortalidad. Requiere un alto nivel de sospecha, puesto que muchas de estas lesiones pueden pasar desapercibidas en la evaluación inicial. Se debe sospechar en todo paciente que se presenta con traumatismo cervical y síntomas que van desde la disfonía y el dolor cervical anterior, a la disnea e incluso el compromiso respiratorio severo por obstrucción de la vía aérea. El abordaje de estos pacientes debe iniciar con la evaluación de la vía aérea y asegurar su estabilidad, para luego enfocarse en el diagnóstico y manejo específico de las lesiones. Presentamos a continuación una revisión bibliográfica en cuanto a los mecanismos de trauma, presentación clínica, diagnóstico, clasificación y manejo.

ABSTRACT The laryngeal trauma constitutes a group of infrequent lesions, but with great clinical importance, given its high morbidity and mortality. It requires a high level of suspicion, since many of these injuries may go unnoticed at the initial evaluation. It should be suspected in every patient presenting with cervical trauma and symptoms ranging from dysphonia and anterior cervical pain, to dyspnea or even severe respiratory distress, due to obstruction of the airway. The approach of these patients should begin with the evaluation of the airway and ensure its stability, to then focus on the diagnosis and specific management of the lesions. We present an updated literature review regarding the mechanisms of trauma, clinical presentation, diagnosis, classification and management.

Morphometric Study Of Thyroid Cartilages In Adults By Dissection Method

Background: Morphometrical evaluation of the larynx has always been interesting for both morphologists andthe physicians. Accurate anatomic knowledge of laryngeal cartilage is essential in diagnostic and therapeuticprocedures in the field of laryngology.Aim: To study morphometric features of thyroid cartilage in adult human cadavers and also to correlate themeasurements of the thyroid cartilage between male and female.Materials and Methods: Thyroid cartilages from 62 cases (Male: 31, Female: 31) of postmortem in the departmentof Forensic medicine, MMC and RI, Mysore were studied. A total of seven parameters were measured on eachthyroid cartilage and the observations were tabulated and compared between both sexes.Results: All parameters of Thyroid cartilage were more in males compared to females except thyroid angle whichwas more in females. The height of right thyroid lamina was equal to the height of left thyroid lamina in bothmales and females. Similarly the Antero- posterior distance of right thyroid lamina was equal to Antero -posterior distance of left thyroid lamina in both sexes.Conclusion: Considerable gender and race related differences in many of the geometric measurements of thethyroid cartilage were observed in the study. These morphological differences have important clinical andsurgical implications. They are critical to the accurate placement of needles and probes in laryngeal electromyography and vocal cord injection, medialization procedures, in performing supraglottic laryngectomy, aswell as precise planning of laryngeal framework surgery.

The application of thyroid alar cartilage in the reconstruction of subglottic stenosis for children / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the application value of thyroid alar cartilage(TAC) in the laryngotracheal reconstruction of subglotticstenosis in the paediatric population.@*Methods@#Twelve patients(7 males,5 females; range from 2.3 to 12.0 years) with subglotticstenosis who had undergone laryngotracheal reconstruction procedures at our hospital fromSeptember 2016 to July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.The degree of stenosis was classified according to Myer-Cotton classification system:grade Ⅱ(n=4),grade Ⅲ(n=6) and grade Ⅳ(n=2). The stenosis planes were subglotticbut did not exceed the 3rd tracheal cartilage ring.@*Results@#Of all 12 patients, 11 were decannulated and 1 failed. All patients with grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients were decannulated at one procedure. There were no severe complications such as tube dislogement,asphyxia and unhealed wound.@*Conclusions@#The TAC for widening laryngotracheal lumen is relatively simple and reliable for laryngotracheal reconstruction in the pediatric population with subglottic stenosis. This would′t cause any structural damage to the laryngeal cavity.

Dual-energy CT in diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion of laryngeal carcinoma / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To explore the value of dual-energy CT in detection of thyroid cartilage invasion of laryngeal carcinoma. Methods: Totally 106 patients with laryngeal carcinoma underwent preoperative dual-energy CT enhanced scan. Taken pathology as the gold standard, the diagnostic value of dual-energy CT derived weighted-average image and iodine overlay image combined with weighted-average image in detection of thyroid cartilage invasion were compared. And the objective parameters (the normalized iodine concentration [NIC] and the slope of spectral Hounsfield unit curve [λHU] of the invaded thyroid cartilage and contralateral normal non-ossified thyroid cartilage in arterial phase) were measured to analyze the effectiveness of dual-energy CT derived quantitative parameters in differentiating invaded thyroid cartilage and normal non-ossified thyroid cartilage. Results: Among 106 patients, thyroid cartilage invasion was found in 40 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of weighted-average image in diagnosing thyroid cartilage invasion was 75.00% (30/40), 83.33% (55/66) and 80.19% (85/106), while of iodine overlay image combined with weighted-average image was 87.50% (35/40), 95.45% (63/66) and 92.45% (98/106), respectively. NIC and λHU of invaded thyroid cartilage was 0.16±0.05 and 1.92±0.39, respectively, both higher than those of the contralateral normal non-ossified thyroid cartilage (-0.01±0.02, 0.19±0.06; both P<0.05). The critical values of NIC and λHU for distinguishing invaded thyroid cartilage and normal un-ossified thyroid cartilage was 0.05 and 0.71, the AUC were both 0.98, and the sensitivity was 97.50% and 92.50%, the specificity was 92.50% and 97.50%, respectively. Conclusion: NIC and λHU in arterial phase have promising potential in distinguishing thyroid cartilage invasion of laryngeal carcinoma from normal non-ossified thyroid cartilage.

Accuracy of modified thyromental height in predicting difficult laryngoscopy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of modified thyromental height (MTMH) in predicting difficult laryngoscopy.Methods Two hundred and sixty-three patients of both sexes requiring endotracheal intubation,aged over 17 yr,with body mass index less than 33 kg/m2,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia,were selected.The modified Mallampati test (MMT) score,thyromental height (TMH) and MTMH ("sniffing" thyromental height) were assessed after admission to the operating room.MMT grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ was set as positive predicting index.Direct laryngoscope was placed after induction of anesthesia to expose the glottis,and difficult laryngoscopy was defined as Cormack-Lehane grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ after external laryngeal manipulation.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of MMT,TMH and MTMH in predicting difficult laryngoscopy.Results Difficult laryngoscopy was found in 24 patients and non-difficult laryngoscopy in 239 patients,the incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 10.0％,and there were no failed intubations.The AUC (95％ confidence interval) of MTMH in predicting difficult laryngoscopy was 0.966 (0.396-0.984),the best cut-off value was 46.83 mm,and Youden index was 0.8456.The sensitivity and specificity of MTMH in predicting difficult laryngoscopy was 91.67％ and 92.89％,respectively,and the odds ratio was 143.647.The AUC of MTMH in predicting difficult laryngoscopy was significantly enlarged when compared with that of MMT and TMH (P＜0.05).Conclusion MTMH can accurately predict difficult laryngoscopy with the best cut-off value of 46.83 mm in patients.

A Case of Protrusion of False Vocal Fold Resulting from the Deformed Thyroid Cartilage

Trauma, congenital malformation and aging process can be a cause of the deviation of laryngeal prominence in the thyroid cartilage. Among these, the senility is the most common cause. Usually, ossification in the thyroid cartilage has occurred symmetrically, but the asymmetrical event leads to the shift of laryngeal prominence. Also, such deformity can provoke protrusion of false vocal fold. A 75-year-old man with hoarseness and globus sense in throat visited our clinic. Five years ago, he experienced a blunt trauma on left midline neck and had a concave deformity in the left thyroid cartilage lamina. Laryngoscopic findings revealed a marked protrusion in the left false vocal fold. We performed the laryngeal microsurgery to discriminate the tumorous condition. The pathology revealed non-pathologic mucosa. We report a unique and didactic case with a brief literature review.

Tumor condroide del cartílago tiroides: reporte de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Chondroid tumor of the thyroid cartilage: case report and literature review

Los tumores condroides de la laringe son poco frecuentes, y generalmente se ubican en el cartílago cricoides. El tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico, con buen pronóstico general. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 60 años con historia de disfonía. El estudio nasofaringolaringofibroscópico revela una masa laríngea supraglótica. Las imágenes son compatibles con una lesión del cartílago tiroides. La biopsia obtenida por microlaringoscopía directa informa tumor compatible con condroma. Se realiza una resección completa de la masa por abordaje externo, la biopsia corrobora el diagnóstico de tumor condroide de bajo grado. Se describe esta patología mediante revisión bibliográfica.

Chondroid tumors of the larynx are uncommon, and usually located in the cricoid cartilage. Surgery is the treatment of choice, with good prognosis in general. We report the case of a 60-year-old man consulting for dysphonia. The nasopharyngolaryngoscopy showed a supraglottic laryngeal mass. The images were compatible with a thyroid cartilage lesion. The biopsy sample obtained by direct microlaryngoscopy was consistent with a condroma. A complete excision of the lesion was performed by external approach and the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a low grade chondroid tumor. We present a review of chondroid tumors of the larynx based on available literature.

The radiologic anatomy of thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage: implications for anterior cervical spine surgery / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To measure anatomic data related to the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage and to analyze their implications for anterior spine surgery.Methods From January 2015 to February 2017,Cervical spine CT image data of 309 normal adults (195 males,114 females) in our department were retrospectively analyzed.The transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage was measured at three different levels as follows:the superior border of the thyroid cartilage(SBTC),the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage(IBTC),and the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage(IBCC).At those levels,the corresponding level and transverse diameter of the cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc were also determined.Differences of anatomic parameters for each gender and level,and the relationship between the transverse diameter and height and weight were analyzed.Results The transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage and the corresponding cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc were associated significantly with height and weight.The transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage gradually decreased from the level of SBTC (44.30±4.97 mm) to the level of IBTC (41.39±4.62 mm),and the latter to the level of IBCC (26.36±3.79 mm),but increased from the level of SBTC (27.47±2.66 mm) to the level of IBTC (29.00±3.15 mm),and the latter to the level of IBCC (31.48±3.49 mm) for the cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc.Differences of the transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage and the cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc on three levels had statistical significance.The transverse diameters of each level had individual differences,while men were greater than those for women.The thyroid cartilage was routinely located above the C5 (56.9％ for male,86.0％ for female).Differences of the frequency between men and women on three levels had statistical significance.Conclusion The Individual and sex differences in the location of the thyroid cartilage and the size of the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage provided anatomical basis for predicting the difficulty of intraoperative exposure,incidence of esophageal injuries and early postoperative dysphagia.

Diagnostic value of enhanced CT/MRI for thyroid cartilage invasion by malignant tumor / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the values of enhanced CT and MRI for the diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion by laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.@*Methods@#One hundred and ninety-seven patients with primary laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer treated with surgery between January 2013 and December 2014 were included in this study. All patients underwent enhanced CT and MRI before surgery. With MRI using the techniques of fast recovery fast spin echo (FRFSE), spin echo echo planar imaging (SE-EPI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), thyroid cartilage invasion was evaluated and the results of postoperative histopathological examination was used as a gold standard for the determination of thyroid cartilage invasion. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of enhanced CT or MRI in detecting thyroid cartilage invasion by laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer were evaluated. Data were analyzed with SPSS17.0 software.@*Results@#Among 197 patients, there were 35 cases with supraglottic laryngeal cancer, 92 cases with glottic laryngeal cancer, 9 cases with subglottic laryngeal cancer, and 61 cases with hypopharyngeal cancer. Postoperative pathologycal examinations showed that 63 (32.0%) of 197 patients had thyroid cartilage invasion by tumor. Based on TNM classification of AJCC (American Joint Commission for Cancer, 2010), there were 36 cases at T2 stage, 109 cases at T3 and 52 cases at T4; 117 cases with N0, 46 cases with N1 and 34 cases with N2. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CT for the detection of thyroid cartilage invasion were respectively 57%, 86%, 65% and 81%, and those of MRI were respectively 94%, 87%, 78% and 97%. Kappa values were 0.45 for CT and 0.77 for MRI in diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion, with statistically significant difference (χ2=6.78, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#MRI (FRFSE and SE-EPI DWI) has more advantages than CT in the diagnosis of thyroid cartilage invasion by laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer.

Accuracy of thyromental height in predicting difficult airway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of thyromental height (TMH) in predicting difficult airway.Methods Three hundred and thirty patients of both sexes requiring endotracheal intubation,aged ＞18 yr,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia,were selected.The modified Mallampati test (MMT) score,thyromental distance (THD),sternomental distance (SMD) and TMH were measured following admission to the operating room.Direct laryngoscope was placed after induction of anesthesia to expose the glottis,and the Cormack-Lehane grade was recorded.Difficult airway was defined as Cormack-Lehane grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ.The receiver-operating characteristics curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of MMT,THD,SMD and TMH in predicting difficult airway.Results The diagnostic threshold of TMH in predicting difficult airway was 39.04 mm,the sensitivity 88.24％,the specificity 90.42％,the area under the curve (95％ confidence interval) 0.897 (0.859-0.928),and the odds ratio 70.750.Compared with MMT,THD and SMD,the area under the curve of TMH in predicting difficult airway was significantly increased (P＜0.05).Conclusion TMH can accurately predict difficult airway,and the diagnostic threshold is 39.04 mm in patients.

A porcine model for teaching surgical cricothyridootomy / Modelo porcino no ensino da cricotiroidotomia cirúrgica

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability of an educational project using A porcine model of airway for teaching surgical cricothyroidotomy to medical students and medical residents at a university hospital in southern Brazil. METHODS: We developed a teaching project using a porcine model for training in surgical cricothyroidotomy. Medical students and residents received lectures about this surgical technique and then held practical training with the model. After the procedure, all participants filled out a form about the importance of training in airway handling and the model used. RESULTS: There were 63 participants. The overall quality of the porcine model was estimated at 8.8, while the anatomical correlation between the model and the human anatomy received a mean score of 8.5. The model was unanimously approved and considered useful in teaching the procedure. CONCLUSION: The training of surgical cricothyroidotomy with a porcine model showed good acceptance among medical students and residents of this institution.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aceitabilidade de um projeto de ensino utilizando modelo porcino de vias aéreas no ensino da cricotiroidotomia cirúrgica para estudantes de Medicina e médicos residentes em um hospital universitário no sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvido um projeto de ensino usando modelo porcino para treinamento em cricotiroidotomia cirúrgica. Estudantes de Medicina e residentes receberam aula teórica sobre esta técnica cirúrgica e, em seguida, realizaram no modelo o treinamento prático. Após o procedimento, todos os participantes preencheram um formulário acerca da importância do treinamento em manuseio de vias aéreas e do modelo utilizado. RESULTADOS: Houve 63 participantes. A qualidade geral do modelo porcino foi estimada em 8,8, enquanto a correlação anatômica entre o modelo e a anatomia humana recebeu o escore médio de 8,5 entre os treinandos. O modelo foi unanimemente aprovado e considerado útil no ensino do procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento de cricotiroidotomia cirúrgica em modelo porcino apresentou boa aceitação entre os estudantes de Medicina e os residentes desta Instituição.

A Study of Foramina Thyroideum.

Background: A foramen in the lamina of thyroid cartilage is an occasional opening existing in one or both thyroid laminae which may or may not contain a neurovascular component. Foramen was first described by Segond in 1847. Materials and methods: Larynx specimens were collected from Department of Forensic Medicine Mysore Medical College. 62 Larynx specimens were collected, 31 male and 31 female, and fixed in 10% formalin solution for 2- 3 weeks. Careful dissection was done to separate thyroid cartilage and following observations were made. Location of foramen, regarding the side of lamina and its relation to oblique line was noted. Size, shape and measurements were noted. Results: Foramina were observed in the laminae of 9 thyroid cartilages in females and 6 in male specimens. 1 male specimen showed bilateral foramina thyroideum. Among 16 Foramina Thyroideum (FT), 13 were on right lamina and 3 on left lamina. Shape of FT was round in 9 specimens and oval in 7 specimens. 10 FT were located in front of oblique line, 5 were behind and 1 was on the line. Size of FT range from 1mm - 5.67mm, close to upper boarder in 13 specimens and 3 were in the middle.1 specimen showed presence of superior laryngeal vessels in FT. Conclusions: Incidence of FT in the present study was 25.8%.To conclude presence of FT being a rare variation clinicians need to be aware of the possible contents such as external and internal laryngeal nerve communication and presence of superior laryngeal vessels before undertaking surgical procedures.

Morphometric Study of Thyroid Cartilages in Western India.

Background: Morphometrical evaluation of the larynx has always been interesting for both morphologists and the physicians. A good understanding of the anatomy and the knowledge of variations in the laryngeal cartilages is important Objective: Objective of the present study was to collect exact and reliable morphometric data of thyroid cartilage in adult human larynx of regional population. Methods: The totals of 50 thyroid cartilage specimens were studied. The cartilages were preserved in 5% formalin. Themeasurementswere takenwith the help of Digital Vernier Caliper. The cartilages wereweighed on Single pan electronic balance. For each of the parameters, the mean, standard deviation (S.D.) and range was calculated. Results: Mean depth of superior thyroid notch was 9.7± 3.36 mm. Asymmetry between the length of superior horn of thyroid cartilages in left and right sides can be seen, but difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). It is observed that inner thyroid angle varies from55 to 1040and outer thyroid angle varies from53 to 990. In present study mean weight of thyroid cartilage was 6.70±1.55 grams. Conclusions: A fair amount of intersubject variability in the dimensions was observed. Bilateral asymmetry, though present in majority of specimens, was insignificant. Various dimensions of thyroid cartilages are smaller as compared to the western population.

Morphology and Morphometry of Adult Human Cricoid Cartilage: A Cadaveric Study in North Indian Population.

Introduction: Out of different cartilages of larynx, cricoid is the strongest cartilage. It is the only cartilage which extends completely around the air passage. It is smaller but stronger and thicker than the thyroid cartilage. Though a lot of work has been done on thyroid cartilage it is not so for cricoid cartilage. This give us a impetus to design this study. Material and method: The material for present study comprised of 30 adult (M:F::25:5) apparently normal cadaveric larynges, obtained from the Anatomy Department of Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. Different morphometric diameters of the cricoid cartilage were measured with help of vernier caliper with least count 0.01mmand thesewere noted on a predesigned proforma. All the data thus obtained was tabulated, analysed, scrutinized and compared with the earlier studies available in the literature. An attempt has been done to provide a base line data for this region. Result and Conclusion: Cricoid cartilage was oval in shape in all the specimens. Outer and inner transverse diameters and outer and inner anteroposterior diameters of cricoid cartilagewere larger in males as compared to females. As we compare both diameters in males and females, outer transverse diameter was found to be larger than outer anteroposterior diameter, while inner anteroposterior diameter was larger than inner transverse diameter. Height and thickness of cricoid arch and lamina were observed to be larger in males as compared to females.

Predictors of Thyroid Gland Involvement in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Decision to perform concurrent ipsilateral thyroidectomy on patients with hypopharyngeal cancer is important, and unnecessary thyroidectomy should be avoided if oncologically feasible. We hypothesized that concurrent ipsilateral thyroidectomy is not routinely required to prevent occult metastasis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of histological thyroid invasion in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, and to refine the indications for prophylactic ipsilateral thyroidectomy in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records from the Department of Otolaryngology at Yonsei University College of Medicine was conducted from January 1994 to December 2009. A total of 49 patients underwent laryngopharyngectomy with thyroidectomy as a primary treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer. RESULTS: The incidence of thyroid gland involvement was 10.2%. The most common route of invasion was direct extension through the thyroid cartilage. Thyroid cartilage invasion (p=0.034) was the most significant factor associated with thyroid invasion. Disease-specific survival at 5 years was lower in patients with than without thyroid gland invasion (26.7% vs. 55.2%, respectively; p=0.032). Disease-free survival at 5 years was also lower in patients with than without thyroid gland invasion (20.0% vs. 52.1%, respectively; p=0.024). CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral thyroidectomy in combination with total laryngopharyngectomy is indicated when invasion of the thyroid cartilage is suspected in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.