Visualization of the Oropharynx With Transcervical Ultrasound

Abstract

Ultrasound is not currently used in the standard clinical evaluation of the oropharynx, but it is a promising imaging modality for evaluating the base of the tongue and the palatine tonsils. Ultrasound is comparable and complementary to CT and MRI, which have recognized limitations.

Sonographic measurement of palatine tonsil volume in children and comparison with actual volume

“…TCU objectively investigates the size, shape, perfusion and appearance of PT to evaluate the diagnosis and prevalence of tonsillar and peritonsillar infections [11,12]. TCU is an alternative and complementary imaging method to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging which have some limitations [13]. In recent times, Öztürk et al in a study of 680 cases of healthy children, including all age groups, reported that tonsil volume varied from 1.8-2.2 ml as a result of TCU measurements with a positive increasing correlation to age and BMI, though there was no difference according to gender [6].…”

Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of human papillomavirus-driven head and neck cancers

“…This imaging technique is particularly adapted to visualise the base of the tongue, the examination of which is challenging for anatomical reasons. Recent articles have described the sonographic appearance of the oropharynx [58] and have shown that with this technique, it is feasible to visualise and evaluate base of tongue cancers [59]. Fakhry et al [60] have assessed the benefit of ultrasonography to identify the primary site in a series of ten patients with head and neck cancers of unknown primary (HNCUPs).…”

Evaluation of the Normal Tonsils in Pediatric Patients With Ultrasonography

“…The use of imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been reported to be useful for the evaluation of peritonsillar abscesses and the overall volume of the tonsils; however, these techniques have a number of limitations, such as a requirement of sedation, exposure to radiation, and/or a high cost. Recently, the use of ultrasound for evaluating the tonsils has been reported, which represents a less expensive, more portable, and more rapidly available technique with better tissue resolution. Furthermore, because ultrasound does not require sedation, and eliminates the need for ionizing radiation, it could be particularly advantageous for examining children.…”

“…To our knowledge, all previous reports in which ultrasound was used to examine the tonsils have been limited to case reports, pictorial essays, or technical notes …”

“…Recently, the use of ultrasound for evaluating the tonsils has been reported, 5,11 which represents a less expensive, more portable, and more rapidly available technique with better tissue resolution. Furthermore, because ultrasound does not require sedation, and eliminates the need for ionizing radiation, it could be particularly advantageous for examining children.…”