Emergency Imaging Assessment of Acute, Nontraumatic Conditions of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Patients often present to the emergency department with a wide variety of nontraumatic infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions of the head and neck. Because the use of cervical and neck computed tomography (CT) has become routine in the emergency setting, knowledge of the imaging findings of common acute conditions of the head and neck is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis of these potentially life-threatening conditions, which include oral cavity infections, tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess, sialadenitis, parotiditis, diskitis, thrombophlebitis, periorbital and orbital cellulitis, infectious cervical lymphadenopathy, and various neoplasms. Less common conditions that require rapid diagnosis and treatment include epiglottitis, invasive fungal sinusitis, angioedema, and deep neck abscess. Familiarity with these conditions enables the radiologist to make a prompt diagnosis, assess the extent of disease, and evaluate for potential complications. CT is the first-line imaging modality in the emergency setting; however, magnetic resonance imaging plays an important secondary role.

Esophageal Mass: The Importance of Clinical History in Foreign Body Imaging

“…Further use of high-resolution CT imaging may show fungal strands and a cavity wall that encases the fungus ball (5). Neoplasms of the head and neck may have a more homogenous appearance on imaging, with possible features of central necrosis, but are mainly distinguished from an abscess by considering presenting symptoms and patient history (6). Foreign bodies also require this close attention to the clinical scenario.…”

Resonancia Magnética de las glándulas salivales parótida y submaxilar

“…Pueden identificarse adenopatías reactivas, principalmente en pacientes jóvenes, acompañando a infección de vía respiratoria alta. Siempre es importante descartar que se trate de un proceso neoplá-sico [4].…”

Face and Neck Infections

“…21). 2 The infection causes elevation and posterior displacement of the tongue and tense induration between the hyoid bone and the mandible. Displacement of the tongue can occur rapidly, so establishing a secure airway is a treatment priority.…”