RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic efficiency of transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasound examination of the larynx and laryngoscopy was performed in 103 patients with thyroid disease. 26 (34.21%) patients who underwent surgery on the thyroid gland direct laryngoscopy and ultrasound of the vocal folds were performed twice, before and after the operation. RESULTS: Voice folds were visualized in 76 (73.8%) people. Of the 24 men, these anatomical structures were visualized in 8 (33.3%) and in 68 (86.1%) women out of 79 cases. Violations of the function of the vocal cords during laryngoscopy were detected in 5 people, sonographically in 6 people. The coincidence of the revealed pathology with ultrasound was in 4 patients, in 3 - with sonography the diagnosis was erroneous, in 1 patient it was falsely negative and in 2 cases it was falsely positive. CONCLUSIONS: In connection with the diagnostic capabilities of the method, it is advisable to use it as a screening study in the perioperative period in patients with diseases of the thyroid gland. Laryngoscopy is indicated for patients with non-visualized vocal folds, with identified pathology with ultrasound, and with clinical signs of dysfunction of the vocal cords.