Evaluation for laryngopharynx of normal adult with high frequency ultrasound / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE Attempt to visualize the hypopharyngeal anatomy and related structures in normal adults with ultrasound. METHODS Sonographic features of laryngopharynx were confirmed by comparable tissue sections of 6 corpses at the same level. Then, the laryngopharynx of 30 men and 30 women were examined by ult rasound and thei r sonographic images were evaluated. RESULTS In male or female volunteers, perfect visualization pattern was obtained in all (100％) pyriform sinuses, 60％ or 93.3％ postcricoid areas,66.7％ or 93.3％ posterior pharyngeal walls, 96.7％ or 100％ thyroid cartilages, 63.3％ or 93.3％ arytenoid cartilages, 70％ or 93.3％ vocal cords,and 83.3％ or 96.7％ ventricular bands. CONCLUSION The ultrasonic visualization of laryngopharynx and its related structures are satisfactory in healthy adult women. For adult men, the pyriform sinus and thyroid cartilage can be best identified while the identification of vocal cords and ventricular bands is less satisfactory. However, postcricoid region, pharyngeal posterior wall, and arytenoid cartilage are the most difficult to detect.