CT Findings of Supraglottitis in Adults

Jun, Yang Hyun; Kim, Eui Jong; Choi, Woo Suk; Ryu, Kyung Nam; Oh, Joo Hyeong; Yoon, Yup

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the CT findings and to evaluate the role of CT scanning in adult supraglottitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The CT findings of five male patients aged between 29 and 69 (mean, 53) years with adult supraglottitis were reviewed and evaluated. Particular attention was focussed on swelling of epiglottis and laryngeal structures, abscess formation and extension of the inflammatory process to adjacent neck spaces. In addition, the findings of CT were compared with those of plain radiography.
RESULTS
In all patients, CT revealed swelling of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds, while in four, swelling of the paralaryngeal space was noted. Abscesses in the epiglottis were seen in four patients, and in three of these, small abscesses in the preepiglottic, parapharyngeal, or peritonsillar space or palatine tonsil, were also noted. One patient had an emphysematous epiglottitis, and in three, inflammation extended to adjacent regions of the neck, namely the parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal, submandibular, or peritonsillar space. Plain radiographs gave only restricted information regarding abscess formation and the extension of inflammation to adjacent neck space.
CONCLUSION
CT is useful for assessing the extent of adult supraglottitis and for evaluating ensuing complications. It may also be useful for differentiating this condition from other supraglottic diseases, for the planning of treatment, and for evaluating the results of therapy.