Learning objectives
Illustrate the radiological anatomy of the Paranasal sinuses and the Ptreygopalatine fossa
Discuss the radiological appearance of different masses that may affect the Paranasal sinuses and the Ptreygopalatine fossa
Demonstrate the main imaging criteria of Angiofibroma
Background
Introduction:
The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a small space in the deep face that acts as a neurovascular crossroad between the oral cavity,
nasal cavity,
nasopharynx,
orbit,
masticator space,
and the middle cranial fossa.
Therefore,
it needs to be evaluated very carefully during head and neck imaging,
since awide variety of neoplastic lesions can affect it.
These are difficult to detect clinically and to treat,
if not diagnosed accurately.
The multiple connections of the PPF with the neck spaces facilitate loco-regional spread of diseases.
Findings and procedure details
Introduction:
The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a small space in the deep face that act as a neurovascular crossroad between the oral cavity,
nasal cavity,
nasopharynx,
orbit,
masticator space,
and the middle cranial fossa.
Therefore,
it needs to be evaluated very carefully during head and neck imaging,
since a myriad of neoplastic lesions can affect it.
These are difficult to detect clinically and to treat,
if not diagnosed accurately.
The multiple connections of the PPF with the neck spaces facilitate loco-regional spread of diseases.
Imaging...
Conclusion
The PPF is considered a ‘central station’ in the deep face.
Through which tumour,s infection,
and inflammation spread from one neck space to another.
Therefore,
in pathologies of the adjacent spaces,
it is important to examine all the anatomical connections of the PPF to avoid missing out on disease hiding in a blind spot.
References
1- Curtin HD,
Williams R.
Computed tomographic anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa.Radiographics.1985;5:429–440.
doi: 10.1148/radiographics.5.3.429.
2- Erdogan N,
Erdogan U,
Baykara M.
CT anatomy of pterygopalatine fossa and its communications: a pictorial review.Comput Med Imaging Graph.2003;27:481–487.
doi: 10.1016/S0895-6111(03)00038-7.
3- Tomura N,
Hirano H,
Kato K,
Takahashi S,
Sashi R,
Tate E,
et al.
Comparison of MR imaging with CT in depiction of tumour extension into the pterygopalatine fossa.Clin Radiol.1999;54:361–366.
doi: 10.1053/crad.1999.0179.
4- Moonis G,
Cunane MB,
Emerick K,
Curtin H.
Patterns of perineural tumor spread in...