Larynx
Normally, the vocal cords and laryngeal structures demonstrate little or no metabolic activity.
If a patient speaks after FDG injection, however, the vibrating vocal cords and cricoarytenoid muscles can become intensely avid.
Despite specific instructions to refrain from speaking after FDG injection, patients routinely sneak out their cell phones and have lengthy conversations.
Consequently, bilateral intense uptake in the vocal cords and/or cricoarytenoid muscles is considered normal (in the absence of an associated CT abnormality).
Vocal Cord Paralysis: If a patient has unilateral vocal cord paralysis and vocalizes after FDG injection, only the functioning vocal cord will demonstrate metabolic activity. This unilateral uptake can be confused with malignancy of the non-paralyzed cord (addressed in detail, here).
