Role of MR imaging in laryngoscleroma

Abstract

To evaluate the role of MR imaging in patients with laryngoscleroma. We retrospectively reviewed the MR imaging of 14 patients (11 female, 3 male with mean age of 31 years) with pathologically proven laryngoscleroma. They presented with dysphonia (n = 12), stridor (n = 8) and airway obstruction (n = 4). They underwent T1- and T2-weighted MR images and post contrast study after injection of 0.1 mmol Gd/DTPA. Laryngoscleroma was seen in the subglottic (n = 13) and supraglottic (n = 1) regions. Laryngoscleroma at granulomatous stage (n = 6) appeared as diffuse circumferential soft tissue mass with high (n = 4) or mixed (n = 2) signal intensity on T2-weighted images with homogenous (n = 4) and inhomogeneous (n = 2) pattern of contrast enhancement. At fibrotic stage (n = 8), laryngoscleroma was seen as diffuse asymmetrical circumferential thickening of the subglottic region with low signal intensity on T2-weighted images and mild contrast enhancement. Subglottic lesions encircled the subglottic region with marked (n = 5) and mild (n = 9) narrowing of the airway with variable degree of extension into the trachea in three patients. There was diffuse thickening of the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds in one patient with supraglottic scleroma. MR imaging is a non-invasive imaging modality for accurate localization, extension and staging of laryngoscleroma. These data is important for treatment planning.