[Ultrasound diagnosis of the epiglottis].

In 1988 we described a method of diagnosis of the larynx using ultrasound, and called it echolaryngography. Now we discuss the ultrasound diagnosis of the normal epiglottis function and lesions of the epiglottis. In principle, three methods of examination are possible with simultaneous B- and M-mode display: transverse function test, sagittal function test and diagonal function test of the epiglottis. Transverse and sagittal transcutaneous access to the epiglottis is simple using a 7.5 MHz sector or linear transducer. Diagonal access, using a 5 MHz linear transducer, is not always successful. Lesions of the epiglottis in which ultrasound is useful include cysts, epiglottitis, and pretherapeutic staging of cancer. The pre-epiglottic space can also be assessed. The description of the clinical results is confined to carcinoma of the epiglottis. Ultrasound diagnosis before and after laser surgery for a lesion on the free edge of the epiglottis is described. In the second example the results of CT scans and ultrasound in a case of T4 supraglottic cancer of the larynx with invasion of the pre-epiglottic space are compared.