Magnetic resonance imaging of the larynx: a correlation with histologic sections

Abstract

To date, high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scanning has proved to be the most valuable preoperative study for the evaluation of the anatomic extent of head and neck cancers. Now, with the development of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the prospect of having an equally reliable test without associated radiation exposure has emerged. This study is designed to compare MR images of the larynx with corresponding histologic sections obtained by step-serial sectioning of whole organ specimens. Images were generated by a 0.3 Tesla permanent magnet MR imager. Additional correlation with CT scans was obtained when possible. CT resolution proved to be slightly superior in the axial plane but markedly inferior to MR imaging in the coronal and sagittal planes. Overall, MR imaging appeared to have good resolution of the larynx.