Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Education and training, Diagnostic procedure, MR, Paediatric, Head and neck
Authors:
D. Fonseca1, D. F. Soares2, J. G. Santos3, S. L. Rodrigues4, L. H. C. B. Samouco5, S. Dias3; 1Senhora da hora/PT, 2201/PT, 3PORTO/PT, 4Chaves/PT, 5101/PT
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-2617
Background
Neck masses in the pediatric age group are mostly of congenital,
inflammatory or neoplastic etiology.
In this review we will focus on congenital and neoplastic etiology,
as most inflammatory masses are imaged with ultrasound and/or CT (e.g lymphadenitis,
scrofula,
retropharyngeal and peritonsilar abscess and salivary gland inflammation).
Diagnostic approach is initially centered on establishing the origin of the mass and if it is of cystic or solid nature.
Our goal as radiologists is to help to ensure a diagnosis or limited differential.
Ultrasound is generally the first imaging method of choice to determine whether the mass is cystic or solid and its origin,
also ultrasound can usually depict if the mass represents an enlarged lymph node.
If ultrasound isn’t enough to characterize the mass,
MR or CT are usually considered.
Since MR avoids radiation exposure and better depicts soft tissues and neurovascular assessment,
it is usually the preferred method,
although there may be a need for sedation in young children.
Comprehensive knowledge of the embriology and anatomy of the cervical region and of the contents of each cervical compartment is beyond the spectrum of this review, however it is very helpful in narrowing the differential diagnosis.