Triticeal cartilage

The triticeal cartilage is a small cartilage located within the lateral aspect of the thyrohyoid membrane, that may be bilateral, unilateral or absent. It is considered a laryngeal anatomical variant.

Epidemiology

It is found in 33% of an adult cadaver series .

Gross anatomy

The triticeal cartilage is an oval-shaped cartilage found in the thyrohyoid membrane, superiorly to the greater horn of the hyoid bone and inferiorly to the thyroid cartilage superior horn.

Calcifications of the triticeal cartilage may be observed.

Radiograhic features

Plain radiographs

The triticeal cartilage is seen on lateral radiographs of the neck or on orthopantomogram as an oval-shaped or irregular calcification, located beneath the hyoid bone, at the level of C3 or C4.

Complications

Conflict between an enlarged triticeal cartilage and the internal laryngeal nerve may cause :

• dysphagia
• odynophagia
• sensation of a foreign body

Differential diagnosis

• all neck soft tissue calcifications
• carotid artery calcifications
• foreign bodies