Ultrasound Imaging Of Nasopharynx And Its Anatomical Basis

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasound imaging and physiological measurement of normal nasopharynx detected by ultrasonography. And to provide some help in diagnosis of nasopharyngeal diseases with ultrasound for clinic. The work was based on human sectional anatomy.Methods Nasopharynxes in 228 normal adults were examined by ultrasonography. Anatomical specimens of 3 corpses coincide with ultrasound imaging were made to provide the basis for ultrasonography. The morphological features, structures, internal echo and anatomic relationship of nasopharynxes with its surrounding structures were observed. And then the superoinferior, anteroposterior and transverse diameters of nasopharynxes were measured. At the same time, the thickness of each walls of nasopharynxes were measured. The detection rate, ultrasonic appearances and physiological measurement in each groups were compared respectively. Totally 228 normal adults were divided into male group and female group. Quantitative dates were analyzed between groups by SPSS 17.0 statistical software.Results (1) The detection rate of the each wall in nasopharynx was obtained. The detection rate of the bilateral walls in nasopharynx was highest. The detection rate of the superior wall in nasopharynx was relatively higher than that of the posterior wall. The detection rate of the bilateral, superior and posterior walls in nasopharynx was 99.6%, 99.1%, 97.8%, respectively. (2) The appearance of nasopharynx on ultrasound imaging was observed. Nasopharynx was situated at the profound side to the parapharyngeal space and parotid gland. On ultrasonography, the nasopharynx appeared as a homogeneous hypoechoic area. The shape of the nasopharynx appeared as"?"structure. (3) The statistical analysis result of nasopharynxes in each groups were obtained. The superoinferior and anteroposterior diameters in male group were greater than those in female group, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01). The thickness of the posterior wall of nasopharynx in female group was thicker than that in male group, and the difference was statistically significan(tP<0.05).Conclusions The nasopharyngeal structure can be clearly showed on ultrasonography. The detection rate of each walls in nasopharynx is higher than or equal to 97.8%. Ultrasound imaging and physiological measurement of nasopharynx can provide an overall convenient and scientific evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.