Imaging of Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders of the Larynx and Hypopharynx

Inflammatory and infectious conditions of the larynx and hypopharynx have diverse etiologies, some of them rather uncommon, making clinical diagnosis challenging. Imaging plays a crucial role in assessing the characteristics, extent, and patterns of involvement of the disease, thereby contributing to the establishment of an accurate diagnosis. In acute infections with severe airway involvement, rapid and accurate treatment is imperative before further investigation. This review covers a wide range of pathologies, demonstrating their CT and/or MR findings. Knowledge of these differential possibilities will aid radiologists in accurately interpreting imaging studies.

Learning Objective: To recognize clinical aspects and imaging findings of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the larynx and hypopharynx, providing support to differentiate them from neoplastic processes.