Epiglottitis

Preliminary Diagnosis: Epiglottitis

I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?

AP and lateral radiographic views of the soft tissues of the neck

II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of epiglottitis.

Advantages

• Relatively inexpensive and fast imaging modality

• Highly portable and exposes patients to minimal ionizing radiation

• High sensitivity for diagnosis

Disadvantages

• Poor specificity for diagnosis

• Limited in detailing and evaluating the surrounding soft tissues, osseous structures, and vascular structures

III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?

• No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist.

IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?

• CT imaging

V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosis of epiglottitis.

CT imaging

Advantages

• Highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing epiglottis

• Highly adept at characterizing any secondary complication.

• More adept than plain radiography in detailing the surrounding soft tissue structures, osseous structures, and vasculature

• May help direct any potential treatment and therapy

Disadvantages

• Exposure to ionizing radiation

VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?

CT imaging

• May be contraindicated in pregnant patients