Aryepiglottic fold width in patients with epiglottitis: Where should measurements be obtained?

Susan D. John, Leonard E. Swischuk, C. Keith Hayden, Daniel H. Freeman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the best site for measurement or assessment of the aryepiglottic folds and determine whether evaluation of the lower portion of the folds is useful. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lateral neck radiographs from 38 children with epiglottitis were retrospectively reviewed and compared with findings in 100 patients with croup and 100 control patients. In all patients, the fold thickness was measured at three levels: at the midpoint (site 1), just behind the epiglottis (site 2), and at the base, just above the false vocal cords (site 3). RESULTS: Full-thickness measurements obtained at sites 1 and 2 were statistically significant predictors of epiglottitis (sensitivity, 94.74%; specificity, at least 96.50%) in comparison with those obtained in patients with croup and control patients. CONCLUSION: The best site for width assessment is the upper half of the folds. Measurement at the base, where the folds overlie the arytenoid cartilage, is not nearly as accurate and should be avoided.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)123-125
Number of pages3
JournalRadiology
Volume190
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1994

Keywords

  • Children, respiratory system, 2712.248
  • Epiglottitis, 2712.248
  • Radiography, in infants and children, 2712.248

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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