Abstract
Despite the widespread use of antibiotics, deep neck infections are still a relevant clinical problem and can cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Imaging plays a pivotal role into the clinical management of deep neck infections, allowing identification of the source of infections, definition of the precise extension of the disease and early diagnosis of local or distant complications. The complex anatomy of deep neck spaces may hide the actual extent of disease: the knowledge of neck anatomy enables radiologists to rapidly evaluate expected routes of spread of infections and to effectively communicate crucial information to surgeons. Computed Tomography is the most used imaging modality for assessing primary site of infection, extent of disease and local complications. Magnetic resonance imaging may be used as a second level imaging modality for individuating intracranial or spinal complications. The present work aims to review the imaging of deep neck spaces infections, focusing on relevant anatomy and clinical scenarios, underlining practical teaching points for each of them. Familiarity with deep neck spaces anatomy and knowledge of most common routes of spread of infections allow the radiologist to make a prompt diagnosis and to look for early signs of potential complications.
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Abbreviations
- DNSI:
-
Deep neck spaces infections
- DNSs:
-
Deep neck spaces
- CECT:
-
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography
- MRI:
-
Magnetic resonance imaging
- FOV:
-
Field of view
- IJV:
-
Internal jugular vein
- SLDCF:
-
Superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia
- MLDCF:
-
Middle layer of the deep cervical fascia
- DLDCF:
-
Deep layer of the deep cervical fascia
- NF:
-
Necrotizing fasciitis
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All authors contributed to the study design. The manuscript was conceptualized by Caprioli S. Caprioli S, and Martina F performed literature search and data analysis. Caprioli S and Borda F prepared the images. Caprioli S drafted the manuscript, and all the other authors critically revised it. Cittadini G and Tagliafico A were the supervisors of the work.
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Caprioli, S., Tagliafico, A., Fiannacca, M. et al. Imaging assessment of deep neck spaces infections: an anatomical approach. Radiol med 128, 81–92 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-022-01572-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-022-01572-8