Aim of this study was to assess the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in the management of acute @entity130 by reviewing our 5 years' experience. From January, 1991, to November, 1996, sixteen @entity1 with blunt @entity130 and 2 @entity1 with penetrating injuries of the larynx underwent physical examination, laryngoscopy and CT; 2 of them underwent angiography too. The @entity1 were divided into 3 groups according to Schaefer classification [13], first on the basis of physical examination, CT and laryngoscopy findings. The definitive group and therapy were decided on the basis of final spatial assessment. Physical examination diagnosed the presence and the anatomical level of @entity130 in group I (4 @entity1 ); laryngoscopy and CT depicted the @entity130 and suggested conservative management in 100% of cases. In group II (10 @entity1 ), conservative management was suggested by CT findings in the laryngeal, submucosal soft tissues and @entity130 in 100% of cases. Physical examination findings were correct in 30% of cases, questionable in 30% and incorrect in 30%; the exam was not performed in 10% of cases. Finally, laryngoscopy findings were correct in 60% of cases, incorrect in 20% and not diagnostic in 20%. In group III (2 @entity1 ), exposed @entity130 required immediate surgery. In group II, the selective application of CT was useful for assessing the degree of damage in 100% of cases and was helpful in planning conservative management. CT avoided surgery in one @entity1 , showed laryngeal cartilaginous features in 2 @entity1 and 2 @entity130 not suspected on the basis of physical examination findings.

[Diagnostic approach to acute laryngeal XXXX : role of computerized tomography].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['laryngeal injuries', 'fascial plane injuries', 'type of injury', 'pseudoaneurysmal injuries', 'trauma']
@entity130 :: (MESH:D014947,Disease) :: ['trauma']
