A Muñoz1, M Castillo, M A Melchor, R Gutiérrez. 1. Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre," Madrid, Spain. almugo@teleline.es
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of MRI versus CT in the initial evaluation of acute infections involving the neck. METHOD: We prospectively evaluated 47 patients with neck infections. All patients underwent CT and MRI with contrast of the area of interest using similar slice thickness. Final diagnosis was achieved by percutaneous aspiration, surgical exploration and drainage, or follow-up after successful antibiotic therapy in all patients. Two radiologists reviewed all imaging studies with special attention to lesion conspicuity, location, extension, bone involvement, source of infection (odontogenic versus nonodontogenic), and presence of gas and/or calcium in the lesions. A 3 point scale was used to grade these parameters, and statistical comparison was done using paired t test. RESULTS: As used in our population, MRI was superior to CT in regard to lesion conspicuity, number of anatomic spaces involved, extension, and source. Additionally, although not statistically significantly, MRI detected a greater number of abscess collections. CT was superior to MRI in the detection of intralesional gas and calcium and showed fewer motion artifacts. These advantages of CT were, however, not significantly better than those of MRI. CONCLUSION: As used in our study, MRI was considered superior to CT in the initial evaluation of neck infections. Our findings suggest that MRI may be used as the first and perhaps the only modality to initially evaluate patients with neck infections when clinically feasible.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of MRI versus CT in the initial evaluation of acute infections involving the neck. METHOD: We prospectively evaluated 47 patients with neck infections. All patients underwent CT and MRI with contrast of the area of interest using similar slice thickness. Final diagnosis was achieved by percutaneous aspiration, surgical exploration and drainage, or follow-up after successful antibiotic therapy in all patients. Two radiologists reviewed all imaging studies with special attention to lesion conspicuity, location, extension, bone involvement, source of infection (odontogenic versus nonodontogenic), and presence of gas and/or calcium in the lesions. A 3 point scale was used to grade these parameters, and statistical comparison was done using paired t test. RESULTS: As used in our population, MRI was superior to CT in regard to lesion conspicuity, number of anatomic spaces involved, extension, and source. Additionally, although not statistically significantly, MRI detected a greater number of abscess collections. CT was superior to MRI in the detection of intralesional gas and calcium and showed fewer motion artifacts. These advantages of CT were, however, not significantly better than those of MRI. CONCLUSION: As used in our study, MRI was considered superior to CT in the initial evaluation of neck infections. Our findings suggest that MRI may be used as the first and perhaps the only modality to initially evaluate patients with neck infections when clinically feasible.
Authors: J Heikkinen; J Nurminen; J Velhonoja; H Irjala; T Soukka; T Happonen; M Nyman; K Mattila; J Hirvonen Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2021-12-16 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Jaakko Heikkinen; Viljami Jokihaka; Janne Nurminen; Ville Jussila; Jarno Velhonoja; Heikki Irjala; Tero Soukka; Tatu Happonen; Jorma Järnstedt; Mikko Nyman; Kimmo Mattila; Jussi Hirvonen Journal: Oral Radiol Date: 2022-08-09 Impact factor: 1.882
Authors: Jaakko Heikkinen; Janne Nurminen; Jarno Velhonoja; Heikki Irjala; Tatu Happonen; Tero Soukka; Kimmo Mattila; Jussi Hirvonen Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2021-07-30 Impact factor: 5.315