Computed tomography of the carotid space and related cervical spaces. Part II: Neurogenic tumors.

Abstract

Fourteen neurogenic tumors of the neck were examined with computed tomography (CT) and, in ten cases, angiography. Schwannomas and paragangliomas occurred in the carotid space. These tumors could be distinguished on CT from those occurring more anteriorly, in relation to the parapharyngeal space, and more posteriorly, in relation to the paraspinal space. Schwannomas alone occurred in the paraspinal space. Schwannomas were heterogeneously hypodense before contrast enhancement and at least partially hyperdense after contrast enhancement, with displacement of adjacent vessels on CT, and, if they were of vagal origin, anteromedial displacement of the internal carotid artery on angiography. Paragangliomas usually were homogeneously hyperdense after contrast enhancement, with incorporation of adjacent vessels on CT, and, if they were of carotid body origin, lateral displacement of the internal carotid artery on angiography.

Imaging Characteristics of Schwannoma of the Cervical Sympathetic Chain: A Review of 12 Cases

“…The anterior displacement of parapharyngeal fat and the medial displacement of the visceral space (Fig 3), as demonstrated in most of the patients from this study, are typical of a carotid space lesion. 5,10 The anterior displacement of the ICA seen in 75% of our patients is comparable with the findings in earlier studies on nerve sheath tumors of the carotid space. 11,13 By virtue of the anatomic location of the sympathetic chain, posteromedial to the carotid sheath, SCSCs tend to displace the ICA and CCA in an anterior and lateral direction (Figs 1 and 2).…”

“…In the literature, schwannomas have been described as hypo-, iso-, or hyperattenuated (Fig 1), with variable texture (heterogeneous or homogeneous) and enhancement on CT. 10,11 The heterogeneity has been attributed to cystic degeneration, xanthomatous change, or areas of relative hypocellularity adjacent to densely cellular or collagenous regions. 12 More than half of the schwannomas (58%) encountered in this study had a heterogeneous texture; however, some of this may be due to patchy enhancement (there were no unenhanced images for comparison).…”

High resolution computed tomography, part 2: The salivary glands and oral cavity

“…This latter term refers to the fibrofatty compartment located between the deglutitional muscle group and the masticatory muscle^.^ Neoplasms of the deep lobe may present only as parapharyngeal masses. 6 The CT density of the parotid gland varies. In heavy individuals the parotid gland is more infiltrated with fat and subsequently more clearly di~cernable.~ The retromandibular vein (posterior facial vein) is a constant structure noted just posterior to the ramus of the mandible separating the superficial and deep lobes of the parotid.2 Another common normal variation is an accessory lobe of the parotid gland seen along the superficial anterior aspect of the masseter muscle.…”

“…They are located lateral to the anterior portion of the submandibular duct.g Computed tomography has also been of FIGURE 6. Lipoma of the parotid gland.…”

Cervical root schwannoma: a case series

“…12 The post-gadolinium MRI sequences of paraganglioma, show contrast enhancement in a characteristic "salt-andpepper" pattern. 13,14 Usually, the origin of the paraganglioma is more cranial in the supero-mediolatero-cervical neck region with respect to the schwannoma.…”