CT evaluation of adult epiglottitis.

Epiglottitis, a rapidly progressive, potentially lethal, cellulitis involving the epiglottis and larynx, is a medical emergency with the rapid onset of airway compromise. Diagnosis is established by lateral neck radiography and visualization of the inflamed epiglottis and supraglottic tissues by laryngoscopy. The case presented here demonstrates the CT features of acute adult epiglottitis.