Ultrasound imaging of the larynx and vocal folds: Recent applications and developments

Po Hsiang Tsui*, Yung Liang Wan, Chin Kuo Chen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article reviews recent clinical applications of ultrasound imaging in laryngeal examinations and new developments in imaging techniques for laryngeal tissue characterization. Recent findings: The B-mode image has become a popular tool for identifying masses, lesions, and nodules at the vocal folds, and combining the B-scan with Doppler imaging makes it possible to also evaluate their functionality. The B-mode image has been used to diagnose lesions and paralysis in vocal folds in children, and to evaluate nerve function by visualizing the structure of the larynx and the movement of the bilateral vocal folds. Ultrasound Nakagami imaging based on the statistics of backscattered signals is a new parametric imaging method that complements the conventional B-scan for tissue characterization. Nakagami imaging is a functional ultrasound imaging tool for visualizing the relative concentrations of collagen and elastic fibers, which are key factors influencing the biomechanical properties of the vocal folds. Summary: Future clinical applications could combine conventional B-mode and Nakagami images to allow physicians to simultaneously evaluate the morphology and scatterer properties of laryngeal tissues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)437-442
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 2012

Keywords

  • Nakagami image
  • ultrasound B-mode image
  • ultrasound backscattering

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