Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy: A Look Into the Future

Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) results in dysfunction of the cricoarytenoid dorsalis (CAD) muscle, leading to collapse of the ipsilateral arytenoid cartilage. Resultant airway obstruction during exercise significantly impairs performance in equine athletes. To date, diagnosis has relied on endoscopic examination of the larynx at rest and/or exercise. The latter provides the current ‘gold standard’ diagnostic technique but requires the availability of an overground endoscopy unit, or an equine treadmill.

Recently, alternative imaging modalities have been investigated for their diagnostic value. Ultrasonographic appearance and measurement of the laryngeal musculature using transcutaneous and transoesophageal ultrasonography has been described (Chalmers et al. 2010), and appear to be of diagnostic merit. [...]