[CT and MRI in tumors of the hypopharynx and larynx--comparison of methods with reference to rapid and ultra-fast MR pulse sequences].

A total of 86 patients with malignant tumours of the hypopharynx and larynx were examined with CT and MRI. The most frequent malignant tumours of the larynx namely, the glottic carcinomas, were better detected with CT than with MRI. The other tumours of the larynx, however, were better visualised with MRI. MRI proved superior to CT in the detection and staging of carcinomas of the hypopharynx. Functional MR images (phonation studies, Valsalva's manoeuvre) were attainable using ultrafast sequences, thus enhancing the diagnostic value of MRI. MRI proved superior to CT enabling a better differentiation of recurrent tumours, inflammatory tissue and scar. For this purpose, T1-weighted plain and contrast-enhanced spin-echo images and T2-weighted spin-echo images were necessary in most cases. T2 weighting turbo spin-echo sequences with relatively short acquisition times proved superior to conventional T2 weighting spin-echo sequences; thanks to shorter acquisition times, the motion artifacts could be reduced and the image quality improved.