Serial anatomy of the larynx in MRI: MRI-histologic correlations

The larynx is an organ with a complex anatomic structure. MRI allows the pe rformance of sections in the three planes of space, so that this study of t he soft parts of the larynx yields results superior to those of other imagi ng techniques. Together with laryngoscopy, MRI is most often used in assess ing the extension of malignant laryngeal tumors. This assessment is fundame ntal in choosing the indications for surgery, but the published reports of MRI of the larynx are sometimes discordant. The visualization of certain im portant anatomic structures such as the conus elasticus is uncertain. Our a im was to study the MRI radio-anatomy of the larynx based on correlations b etween MRI and histologic sections. Eight anatomic specimens were studied: four in the transverse plane, two in the sagittal plane, and two in the fro ntal plane. The MRI and histologic sections made at the same levels were co mpared. These comparisons allowed a description of the sectional radio-anat omy of the larynx and an assessment of the reliability and limitations of M RI. All the major anatomic structures could be identified. It was possible to demonstrate the conus elasticus. We were able to visualize the vocal pro cess of the arytenoid cartilage, which has not to our knowledge been previo usly described in the literature.