Radiological Diagnosis of Head and Neck Vascular Anomalies

Abstract

Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular anomalies. Most clinicians rely on radiology studies in addition to clinical information to narrow down differential diagnoses and develop treatment plans. In some cases, an accurate diagnosis can be made solely based on imaging characteristics, thus avoiding unnecessary diagnostic interventions, treatments, and decreasing patients’ discomfort and anxiety. It is crucial for clinicians to be familiar with different imaging modalities, radiologic findings of various vascular lesions, and choose the most appropriate imaging studies for the patients. Special considerations including radiation exposure, length of study should be taken when ordering imaging studies, especially in the pediatric population.