Helical CT of the larynx: A comparative study with conventional CT scan

Aim: To compare helical and conventional CT scans of the larynx. Patients and methods: Thirty-three patients underwent helical and conventional CT studies of the neck and the larynx using 3 mm section collimation for both studies and a table feed of 4 mm/sec for helical CT. Helical scans were reconstructed at 2 mm increments. Two independent observers rated the visibility of the laryngeal structures from 1 (poor and non diagnostic) to 5 (excellent and diagnostic), and motion artifacts from 1 (greater than or equal to 10 degraded scans) to 5 (no motion artifacts). Results: The motion artifacts score was significantly better for helical CT. No significant difference was observed for the laryngeal structures score between helical and conventional CT studies. The interobserver kappa mean value was 0.756 and 0.68 for helical and conventional CT, respectively. Conclusion: Helical CT can be routinely performed and replace conventional CT study for the evaluation of laryngeal diseases.