Bou-Assaly W, Mckellop J, Mukherji S. Computed tomography imaging of acute neck inflammatory processes. World J Radiol 2010; 2(3): 91-96 [PMID: 21160941 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v2.i3.91]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Wessam Bou-Assaly, MD, Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor VA Health System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States. wessam@med.umich.edu
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Editorial
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World J Radiol. Mar 28, 2010; 2(3): 91-96 Published online Mar 28, 2010. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v2.i3.91
Computed tomography imaging of acute neck inflammatory processes
Wessam Bou-Assaly, Jason Mckellop, Suresh Mukherji
Wessam Bou-Assaly, Jason Mckellop, Suresh Mukherji, Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor VA Health System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
Author contributions: Mukherji S and Bou-Assaly W designed and organized the paper; McKellop J wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Wessam Bou-Assaly, MD, Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor VA Health System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States. wessam@med.umich.edu
Telephone: +1-734-7697100 Fax: +1-734-9292252
Received: February 5, 2010 Revised: March 1, 2010 Accepted: March 9, 2010 Published online: March 28, 2010
Abstract
Early diagnosis and management of neck infections and inflammatory processes is a common challenge for emergency and ear, neck and throat physicians, as well as radiologists. Emergency neck infections are diverse in their presentation, ranging from a transient enlargement of a lymph node to a rapidly spreading necrotizing fasciitis. Symptoms and signs, with the clinical history, usually suggest the diagnosis. But complex neck anatomy and sometimes limited physical examination can obscure and delay diagnosis, thus the need for an appropriate imaging exam and correct interpretation. In this pictorial review, we will consider common neck acute inflammatory processes that may be encountered in the emergency room and discuss some of their salient imaging findings.
