Pharyngolaryngeal tumors: spiral CT with 3D reconstruction

Spiral CT allows the exploration of the whole larynx and hypopharynx in 30 seconds. This is a good adjustment between the technique and the organ. Performed on 15 patients during a 30 seconds Valsalva maneuver, the exploration yields results from good to excellent. In two cases, conventional and helical CT are compared. The limitation of mA is not a drawback in such a thin region and there is no shift of organ or lesion between two scans, because the whole range is scanned in a single breathhold. 3D display of larynx and pharynx can performed with some advantage, especially easiness of presentation for surgeon. They help topographic analysis and make correlation between endoscopic views and axial scans. They could be useful for surgical simulation and 3D photon treatment plannings. (authors). 17 refs., 17 figs