Ultrasonography of the larynx: Novel use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (Review).

Few articles have been published on the subject of laryngeal ultrasonography. However, considering the increased power and accuracy of ultrasound technology, this imaging modality should be reevaluated. The present review aimed to increase the awareness of fellow specialists regarding the use of this imaging tool in healthcare units that do not benefit from onsite ear, nose and throat (ENT) service. We illustrate the ultrasonographic examination protocol for the larynx along with the relevant anatomic landmarks. We review cases with laryngeal tumoral pathology that underwent ultrasonographic examination for improved management. All findings were confirmed through computerized tomography (CT) and endoscopy performed by the ENT specialist. The ultrasound of the larynx has potential utility in diagnosis (e.g., laryngeal abnormalities, speech and swallowing abnormalities, identification of endotracheal tube placement), treatment (e.g., guidance of percutaneous tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy) and prognosis (e.g., prediction of postextubation stridor and difficult intubation). This imaging modality could be useful in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemics in reducing the exposure to invasive maneuvers producing aerosol, such as endoscopy. Copyright: © Cergan et al.

1. Introduction

If one would query international databases using search words such as larynx and ultrasound, they would find 17 free full text articles on the subject of ultrasonography of the larynx. One of the first articles on this subject was published in 1987 by Raghavendra et al (1). They analyzed 41 healthy volunteers, concluding that sonography may prove to be a potentially useful technique for the examination of the vocal cords. An analysis of 229 healthy volunteers by Hu et al (2) revealed that high frequency sonography can quantitatively measure both true and false vocal cords with good reliability and reproducibility. A detailed anatomical study of the upper airway was performed by Singh et al (3), with potential utility in diagnosis (e.g., laryngeal abnormalities, speech and swallowing abnormalities, identification of endotracheal tube placement), treatment [e.g., guidance of percutaneous tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy (4)], and prognosis [e.g., prediction of postextubation stridor (5) and difficult intubation]. We are still at the level of using ultrasound for analyzing healthy volunteers in order to ascertain whether there are gender differences in vocal cord size and that there is no correlation between vocal cord measurements and individual body mass index (BMI) (6). In a preliminary bedside study, sonography was used for diagnosing acute epiglottitis in the emergency department (7). Ultrasound examination proved especially useful in managing post intubation larynx traumas (8). Moreover, real-time high-resolution ultrasonography was used to assess the status of thyroglossal duct cysts by the ENT surgeon firsthand (9). Finally, the utility of sonography for evaluation of clinical T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma has been proven (10).

2. Aims of the ultrasonography of the larynx during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

The ultrasonography of the larynx is a diagnostic imaging modality that is rather neglected due to the lack of experience and the proximity of ENT departments that can perform endoscopic diagnosis of laryngeal pathology. However, in an emergency setting, a simple visualization of the larynx could be implemented as a quick extension to any FAST-like protocol. We hope to increase the awareness of the scientific community regarding this imaging tool that in the future, after a thorough validation and standardization, could lower the associated costs of other investigations. Furthermore, current guidelines encourage reducing the use of aerosol producing procedures, such as laryngeal endoscopy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Laryngeal ultrasound could lower the risk of ENT specialists in contracting the COVID-19 viral infection.

3. Anatomical basis

We reviewed cases with laryngeal pathology that received ultrasound examination. All cases had ultrasonographic findings confirmed by CT and underwent surgery with subsequent pathology diagnosis. All images presented in this review come from patients admitted to a tertiary ENT department. All patients signed an informed consent form in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and current Good Clinical Practice.

We used a Sonoscape S2 machine with a linear probe in order to examine the patients with laryngeal pathology. The patient was examined in a horizontal position with the head in hyperextension. The first step included a longitudinal midline view of the larynx and trachea with direct inspection of the hyoid bone (H), epiglottis (E), thyroid cartilage (T), cricoid cartilage (C), thyroid gland isthmus (G) and trachea (TRAH) (Fig. 1).

Figure 1

Longitudinal midline view of the larynx. H, hyoid bone; E, epiglottis; T, thyroid cartilage; C, cricoid cartilage; G, thyroid gland isthmus; TRAH, trachea.

Fig. 2 illustrates the vestibular folds in transverse view: MPL, anterior muscles of the neck; T, thyroid cartilage and V, vestibular folds.

Figure 2

Transverse view at the level of vestibular folds. MPL, anterior muscles of the neck; T, thyroid; V, vestibular folds.

The vocal cords are visualized in Fig. 3 in transverse view: MPL, anterior muscles of the neck; T, thyroid cartilage; CV, vocal cords and ARI, arytenoid cartilage.

Figure 3

Ultrasonographic view of the vocal cords. MPL, anterior muscles of the neck; T, thyroid cartilage; CV, vocal cords; ARI, arytenoid cartilage.

4. Ultrasonographic findings in laryngeal pathology

There are many sonography signs and anatomy landmarks that need to be explained, illustrated, and understood by clinicians before relying on ultrasound diagnosis at the level of the larynx.

Any imaging modality should be valuable in visualizing the extent of the tumor. In a 50-year-old male patient presenting with breathing difficulty and impaired swallowing, ENT exam revealed a tumor comprising the epiglottis and extending into the larynx. The CT showed that the tumor extended from the epiglottis downwards to the level of the cricoid cartilage. The ultrasonographic exam confirmed the complete neoplastic change in the content of the larynx. All these findings were confirmed through total laryngectomy (Figs. 4 and 5).

Figure 4

Endolaryngeal tumor computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) view.

Figure 5

Resection piece and microscopy pathology result, squamous carcinoma, in the same case as shown in Fig. 4. H&E; magnification, x100. H&E, hematoxylin and eosin.

Fig. 6 comprises serial transverse images of a 70-year-old patient, presenting a pharyngolaryngeal tumor invading the base of the tongue, the epiglottis and extending downwards through the vestibular folds until the level of the anterior part of the left vocal cord. The pathology result confirmed an acantholytic squamous laryngeal carcinoma (Fig. 7).

Figure 6

Upper view of the tumor at the base of the tongue and epiglottis, middle view of the tumor at the level of the vestibular folds and lower view of the tumor invading the vocal cord.

Figure 7

Microscopy pathology result, acantholytic squamous carcinoma, from the same case as shown in Fig. 6. H&E magnification, x100. H&E, hematoxylin and eosin.

Another situation is that of an external mass effect. A 66-year-old woman with a history of thyroid pathology that neglected endocrinology treatment presented with a giant tumor comprising the left thyroid lobe and extending to adjacent structures. CT raised the suspicion of vocal fold paresis. This was confirmed through ultrasonography and endoscopy with subsequent biopsy (Fig. 8). The patient was referred to oncologic palliative care.

Figure 8

Vocal fold paresis confirmed through ultrasound (US).

Moreover, laryngeal ultrasound has a promising use in trauma departments enabling quick analysis of the motility of the vocal cords (11).

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic changed current diagnosis and treatment protocols worldwide, minimizing the use of aerosol producing maneuvers, such as indirect or direct flexible laryngoscopy, at least until the development of a safe vaccine (12,13).

5. Conclusions

The ultrasonographic imaging of the larynx is a rather neglected imaging tool, mainly due to CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being accessible. However, ultrasonography is valuable in emergency room settings as an extension of FAST protocols in neck trauma. This review confirmed the fact that ultrasound enables indirect examination of the vocal cords even by doctors of other specialties other than ENT surgeons. Moreover, ultrasound was used in cases where further information was required for the management of the case, minimizing the costs associated with other advanced imaging modalities. Needless to mention the fact that ultrasonography is fast, nonradiating and permits serial real-time examination of the patient. Further studies are needed in order to gather data concerning the sensitivity and specificity of this imaging modality. New guidelines issued during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic recommend reducing the use of aerosol producing procedures, such as video endoscopy. Laryngeal ultrasound could be used to prevent the exposure of ENT specialists to COVID-19.