CT and MR anatomy of the larynx and hypopharynx

Marco Ravanelli; Paolo Rondi; Marco Ferrari; Davide Lancini; Barbara Buffoli; Andrea Borghesi; Roberto Maroldi; Davide Farina

doi:10.1007/s00234-024-03320-3

CT and MR anatomy of the larynx and hypopharynx

Neuroradiology. 2024 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s00234-024-03320-3. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Marco Ravanelli¹, Paolo Rondi², Marco Ferrari³, Davide Lancini⁴, Barbara Buffoli⁵, Andrea Borghesi¹, Roberto Maroldi¹, Davide Farina¹

Affiliations

¹ Radiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
² Radiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy. paolo.rondi92@gmail.com.
³ Section of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Padova, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
⁴ Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, ENT Unit, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
⁵ Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.

PMID: 38418594
DOI: 10.1007/s00234-024-03320-3

Abstract

Imaging of the larynx and hypopharynx is frequently requested to assess the extent of neoplasms beyond the field of view of endoscopic evaluation. The combination of optical and cross-sectional imaging allows tumors to be classified according to AJCC/UICC guidelines. A thorough understanding of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal anatomy is crucial to guide the radiological eye along the possible pathways of the spread of diseases and to guide differential diagnoses. Computed tomography (CT) has been the first cross-sectional imaging technique used to evaluate the larynx and hypopharynx; its spatial resolution combined with volumetric capability and the use of injectable contrast medium made CT the working horse in the assessment of neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. In the last two decades, magnetic resonance (MR) supported CT in the most challenging cases, when the optimal contrast resolution due to the multisequence portfolio is needed to assess the neoplastic involvement of laryngeal cartilages, paraglottic space(s), and extra laryngeal spread. The aim of this paper is to give a comprehensive radiological overview of larynx and hypopharynx complex anatomy, combining in vivo images, anatomical sections, and images of ex vivo specimens.

Keywords: Anatomy; CT; Hypopharynx; Larynx; MRI.