The role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the assessment of carotid space masses

Congress:

ECR 2020

Poster Number:

C-15049

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

MR, Contrast agent-intravenous, Neoplasia, Education and training, Head and Neck

Authors:

O. Medvedev, L. M. Lenghel; Cluj-Napoca/RO

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2020/C-15049

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2020/C-15049

Fig. 2: Axial graphic of the SHN at the level of C1 vertebral body. MS – masticator...

Fig. 3: Graphic illustration of magnified left SHN CS. The carotid artery lies in the...

Fig. 4: Axial T2 image at the level of C1 vertebral body. The SHN CS contains the...

Fig. 5: Axial T2 image at the level of mid-oropharynx. The posterior belly of the...

Learning objectives

1.to discuss the anatomy of the carotid space (CS) 2.the role of MRI in the detection, characterization and diagnosis of the CS lesions 3.“tips and tricks” for the differential diagnosis of the CS masses

Background

The paper aims to present a review of the CS tumors from the perspective of the specific MRI features of each entity, exemplified by our case collection. Knowledge of the structures' location within the CS and imaging characteristics can lead to a precise diagnosis. a) Definition of the CS: Paired, tubular spaces surrounded by the carotid sheath that contains carotid arteries, internal jugular veins, cranial nerves (CN) 9-12 and sympathetic chain (Fig. 1)[1]. b) Anatomy of the CS[1,2,3](Fig. 2,Fig. 3,Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6,...

Findings and procedure details

The CS masses are usually first assessed using ultrasound and CECT, but MRI comes more often as an indispensable examination for a precise description of the CS lesions regarding their tissue origin and anatomical relationship with the surrounding structures. The imaging diagnostic approach to CS masses implies the following questions (Table 3 ) [1,2,4,5]: Does the mass arise primarily from the CS? CS mass displacement pattern is equal to a compass for one to orient itself and depends on the level of the lesion (Table...

Conclusion

MRI represents a very useful tool for the assessment of the pathologic processes of CS contents, providing important clues for the differential diagnosis and leading to a proper treatment for the patients.

Personal information and conflict of interest

O. Medvedev; Cluj/RO - nothing to disclose L. M. Lenghel; Cluj/RO - nothing to disclose

References

Harnsberger HR et al. Diagnostic and surgical imaging anatomy: Brain, Head, and Neck, Spine. 1st ed. Friesens, Altona, Manitoba, Canada; 2006. p. II 180-185. Harnsberger HR et al. Diagnostic imaging Head and Neck. 1st ed. Friesens, Altona, Manitoba, Canada; 2004. p. III-2-2-3, III-8-2-3, III-8-16-33, IV-1-10-12. Chengazi HU, Bhatt AA. Pathology of the carotid space. Insights into Imaging. 2019 Feb;10(1):21 Harnsberger HR et al. EXPERTddx Head and Neck. 1st ed. Friesens, Altona, Manitoba, Canada; 2009. p. 1-32-35. Infrahyoid-neck. Normal anatomy and pathology. Online article available at...