Imaging of head and neck emergencies

Justin L Brucker; Lindell R Gentry

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2014.09.007

Imaging of head and neck emergencies

Radiol Clin North Am. 2015 Jan;53(1):215-52. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2014.09.007.

Authors

Justin L Brucker¹, Lindell R Gentry²

Affiliations

¹ Head and Neck Imaging, Department of Neuroradiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital, University of Wisconsin, E1-311 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
² Head and Neck Imaging, Department of Neuroradiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital, University of Wisconsin, E1-311 CSC, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA. Electronic address: lgentry@uwhealth.org.

PMID: 25476182
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2014.09.007

Abstract

The anatomy of the head and neck contains very few structures that could be considered expendable and, consequently, is exceptionally intolerant to infection, inflammation, and injury. Acute pathologic processes in this body region, therefore, tend to result in significant suffering, functional impairment, or life endangerment if the diagnosis is missed or treatment is delayed. Many emergent processes within the cervical region also need to be considered for their possible impact on structures within the head and chest, into which there are many routes for potential communication.

Keywords: Emergency radiology; Head and neck infection; Imaging.

MeSH terms

Diagnostic Imaging
Emergencies*
Epistaxis / diagnosis
Head* / diagnostic imaging
Head* / pathology
Hemoptysis / diagnosis
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neck* / diagnostic imaging
Neck* / pathology
Orbit / injuries
Orbit / pathology
Sinusitis / diagnosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed