From the Guidelines
An X-ray of the soft tissues of the neck can show the epiglottis, but it is not the optimal imaging method for this structure. The epiglottis may be visible as a thin, leaf-shaped radiolucent structure anterior to the airway at the level of C3-C4 vertebrae. However, visualization depends on several factors including patient positioning, degree of inspiration, and technical factors of the X-ray. Lateral neck X-rays are more likely to demonstrate the epiglottis than anteroposterior views. For better visualization of the epiglottis, other imaging modalities such as CT scan or MRI provide superior detail of this cartilaginous structure, as noted in the clinical practice guideline for evaluating neck masses in adults 1. Direct visualization through laryngoscopy remains the gold standard for examining the epiglottis, especially when evaluating for pathology such as epiglottitis. X-rays of the neck are primarily used to assess for indirect signs of epiglottic disease rather than for detailed anatomical evaluation of the structure itself.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the epiglottis include:
- The use of contrast-enhanced CT or MRI examinations to localize and characterize neck masses, as well as to assess for additional nonpalpable masses and screen visualized organs for potential sites of primary malignancy 1
- The benefits and limitations of CT and MRI in evaluating neck masses, including the use of CT as a primary imaging modality due to its availability, cost, and patient tolerance, as well as the improved tissue contrast and sensitivity to abnormalities of the skull base and perineural spread offered by MRI 1
- The importance of considering alternative imaging modalities, such as laryngoscopy, when evaluating the epiglottis for pathology, as noted in the clinical practice guideline for hoarseness (dysphonia) 1.
Overall, while an X-ray of the soft tissues of the neck can show the epiglottis, other imaging modalities such as CT scan, MRI, and laryngoscopy provide more detailed and accurate evaluation of this structure.
From the Research
X-ray Soft Tissue of the Neck and Epiglottis Visibility
- The provided studies do not directly address whether an X-ray of the soft tissue of the neck shows the epiglottis.
- However, some studies mention the use of radiographs and CT scans in diagnosing epiglottitis, suggesting that imaging techniques can be helpful in visualizing the epiglottis and surrounding tissues 2, 3, 4.
- A study from 1989 mentions that diagnosis of epiglottitis is established by lateral neck radiography and visualization of the inflamed epiglottis and supraglottic tissues by laryngoscopy 3.
- Another study from 2013 uses a CT scan to demonstrate the features of acute adult epiglottitis, including multiple air bubbles inside the swollen epiglottis 4.
- While these studies do not specifically state that an X-ray of the soft tissue of the neck shows the epiglottis, they suggest that imaging techniques can be used to visualize the epiglottis and diagnose epiglottitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.