MRI of acute neck infections: evidence summary and pictorial review

: Hirvonen Jussi, Heikkinen Jaakko, Nyman Mikko, Happonen Tatu, Velhonoja Jarno, Irjala Heikki, Soukka Tero, Mattila Kimmo, Nurminen Janne

Publisher: SPRINGER

: 2023

: Insights into imaging

: INSIGHTS INTO IMAGING

: INSIGHTS IMAGING

: 5

: 14

: 31

: 1869-4101

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-022-01347-9

: https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13244-022-01347-9

: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/178736642

Infection of the deep neck spaces is a life-threatening acute illness that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers unsurpassed soft tissue discrimination and is therefore well suited for imaging neck infections. Recently, the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical significance of this method have been documented in patients with acute neck infections. This review article summarizes the scientific evidence, provides a practical guide to image acquisition and interpretation, reviews the most common imaging findings, and discusses some difficult diagnoses and pitfalls in acute neck infections, to help both radiologists and clinicians in managing these critically ill patients.

s13244-022-01347-9.pdf