Objective: To present the three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) appearance of the larynx.
Materials and Methods: Two and three dimensional images of the larynx were obtained using a LOGIQ© 9 US system (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI.); a matrix phased array ML6-15D small parts/pediatric linear transducer (6-15 MHz) was used to obtain 2D images, and a matrix phased array RSP6-16D small-parts/pediatric linear transducer (6-15 MHz) was used to
A volume data set of axial images was acquired in the midline, from the base of the tongue to the cricoid cartilage. Additional assessment of the vocal folds was obtained using an off midline oblique approach, with the transducer oriented parallel to the plane of the ipsilateral vocal fold. Volume data was subsequently reformatted by the radiologist using post processing techniques including surface rendering (Figure 1 B) and tomographic ultrasound, in which serial consecutive parallel slices similar to CT and MR were created.
Results: We review the 3D US appearance of anatomic landmarks of the larynx and demonstrate the ability of 3D US to assess the vocal folds as well as their motion. In addition, we introduce a new 3D US technique that provides improved assessment of the vocal folds from a parasagittal oblique plane.
Conclusion: 3D US has the ability to reconstruct images of the vocal folds, which may ultimately enable triage of symptomatic patients who require evaluation with direct visualization from those who do not.
