Introduction
Physical Examination
Differential Diagnosis
History
Xrays
Specific Diseases
References
Other Lectures
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The diagnosis of a patient with stridor often involves Xrays, especially lateral neck Xrays. These must be taken with the neck extended or the anatomy will be impossible to see. The Xray should also be taken during inspiration. The retropharyngeal space normally widens during expiration, so a film taken at that time may lead to a false diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscess. Fortunately, neither of these conditions are hard to meet. The usual patient with stridor is already in slight neck extension and the audible stridor makes for easy timing of the film during inspiration.
One must be familiar with the characteristics of a normal lateral neck Xray before being able to interpret abnormalities. A more detailed view of a normal lateral neck is seen on this xerogram.
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