Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography virtual endoscopy and flexible fibre-optic laryngoscopy in the evaluation of neck anatomic structures and neoplasms

Abstract

Background and purpose Computed tomography virtual endoscopy (CT-VE) is a non-invasive technique which allows visualisation of intraluminal surfaces by tridimensional reconstruction of air/soft tissues. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of CT-VE and flexible fibre-optic laryngoscopy (FFL) in identifying normal neck anatomic structures and pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions. Methods Forty-two patients with a history of neck cancer were assessed by two ENT surgeons using FFL and by one neuroradiologist using CT-VE in order to evaluate the visualisation of the epiglottis, vallecula, glossoepiglottic folds, pyriform sinuses, vocal cords and mass pathology. The visualisation of the structures in both modalities was assessed according to the following score: 0 = not visualised, 1 = partial visualisation, 2 = complete and clear visualisation. A weighted kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the inter-observer agreement. McNemar’s test was performed to compare the two diagnostic tests. Results The inter-observer agreement between FFL and CT-VE was fair in the assessment of the vocal cords ( k = 0.341); moderate in the assessment of the glossoepiglottic folds ( k = 0.418), epiglottis ( k = 0.513) and pyriform sinuses ( k = 0.477); and substantial in the assessment of the vallecula ( k = 0.618) and the tumour (0.740). McNemar’s test showed no significant difference between the two tests ( p<0.05). Conclusion CT-VE is a non-invasive technique with a diagnostic accuracy comparable to FFL in terms of visualisation of anatomical structures and pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions.

Topical Anaesthesia Using a Soft Mist Spray Device Allows Comfortable Awake Visualisation of the Airway via Self-Videolaryngoscopy in Volunteers

“…But there is a large grey area where the clinical predictors for a difficult airway only have relatively low sensitivity and specificity [9]. When a CT of the neck region is available, a computerised reconstruction of a virtual bronchoscopy/laryngoscopy might be possible [10][11][12]. This might give valuable information about a fibreoptic approach to the airway but much less about the laryngeal view with a classical or video laryngoscopy.…”