Role of cervical ultrasonography as a first line tool in the evaluation of patients with globus pharyngeus: A prospective study

Background: The role of cervical ultrasonography as a first-line tool in the evaluation of patients with globus pharyngeus has gained prominence due to its non-invasive nature and diagnostic utility. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of cervical ultrasonography as a first-line diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients presenting with globus pharyngeus. Methods: This was a prospective study of 50 patients referred from an otolaryngologist in the year 2024. Cervical ultrasonography was done with the Mindray DC-8 ultrasonography system with high frequency linear transducer. Results: Of the 50 patients, 28 (56%) had positive findings on ultrasonography and 22 (44%) had normal findings. Most patients with positive ultrasonography findings had thyroid disorders. Sixteen patients had diffuse thyroid lesions and six patients had focal thyroid nodules. Four patients had lymphadenopathy, one patient had carotidynia, and one had submandibular duct calculus with sialadenitis. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an excellent first line tool in the evaluation of globus pharyngeus. It is non-invasive, easily available and arrives at a diagnosis in over 50% of the patients.