THE RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCES OF THE LARYNX ON THE CHEST RADIOGRAPH

100 chest radiographs were reviewed for the normal variable appearance s of the larynx. Five radiographs were underexposed and on the remaini ng 95, contrast between air and soft tissue was identifiable. On 55 ra diographs the glottis could be identified, of which 46 had both, eight had none and one had one pyriform recess filled with air. 40 chest ra diographs were below the level of the glottis, 34 of which had a conve rgent appearance of the subglottic region and six had a parallel appea rance of the tracheal walls. Appreciation of the variable appearances of the larynx on chest radiography is important before attempting to d iagnose laryngeal disease, where practicable standard laryngeal views are recommended.