Computed tomography of the cranio-cervical lymphatic system: anatomical and functional considerations.

As an initial route of the spread of inflammatory and neoplastic pathology, the complex lymphatic system of the cervical region assumes an important part of the examination in patients with extra-axial disease of the head and neck. In addition, the often overlooked cranio-facial lymphatics must also be routinely investigated in order to forward the understanding and sensitivity of the neuroradiologic evaluation of primary sites of disease propagation from these areas.