Clinical contribution to ultrasound diagnosis of the larynx (echolaryngography)

This paper outlines sonographic indications in laryngeal diseases in adults, based on our ultrasonic technique for diagnosis of the larynx. Here, findings may be investigated that in combination with the indirect laryngoscopy and endoscopic techniques such as computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may contribute towards the differential diagnosis of laryngeal disease. The diagnostic possibilities of echolaryngography in inflammatory diseases, where an indirect laryngoscopy is either impossible or difficult, (e.g. epiglottitis), are presented. Additionally, sonographic findings in laryngeal paralysis (e.g. paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve after strumectomy) in both benign and malignant tumours are discussed. Empirical data from 14 patients with laryngeal carcinoma are presented.