Computed tomography of intrinsic laryngeal and tracheal abnormalities in children.

The use of CT in the evaluation of intrinsic laryngeal and tracheal lesions in 42 children is reported. Computed tomography accurately defined the caliber of the airway and documented the site and extent of narrowed segments as well as revealed detailed information about tissues adjacent to the airway. Documentation of a normal or slightly narrowed airway on CT may obviate the need for more invasive endoscopic procedures. Computed tomography may reveal valuable anatomical information prior to endoscopy and can delineate the length of narrowed segments when endoscopy fails to do so.