Computerized tomography in the evaluation of head and neck lesions

Pediatric Odontogenic Sinusitis: A Systematic Review

Background: Pediatric odontogenic sinusitis (PODS) is a rare condition with limited research on its clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. The current guidelines on pediatric rhinosinusitis do not mention a possible dental origin of the disease. This systematic review aims to summarize and analyze the existing literature on PODS, focusing on epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic tools, complications, treatment options, and outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA reporting guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in multiple databases using keywords related to PODS and therapeutic strategies. Original articles reporting data on treatment outcomes for PODS were included. Results: The review highlighted the scarcity of high-quality evidence on PODS. The literature mainly consists of case reports and low-grade evidence studies. Limited data on the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic tools, complications, and treatment outcomes of PODS in children are available. Conclusions: Further research is needed to better understand the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of PODS in pediatric patients. High-quality studies are required to establish evidence-based guidelines for the management of this condition, especially given the apparently high rate of complications when compared to adult ODS.

Clinical-radiological correlation and role of computed tomography staging in chronic rhinosinusitis

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether there is a clinical-radiological correlation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), to compare operative findings with those of computed tomography (CT) imaging, and to determine the importance of a CT score and staging in management of CRS.

Methods

This study is a prospective study. Adult patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS were prospectively studied using the Lund–Mackay (LM) symptom score and sinus CT scan. The symptom scores were correlated with CT stage according to the Kennedy and LM staging systems. Similarly, the intraoperative findings were correlated with the Kennedy staging system. The spectrum of anatomical variations in our study population was compared with the findings of symptomatic patients in various other studies.

Results

Thirty-four adult patients (13 females, 21 males, mean age: 33 years) met our inclusion criteria. Most of the patients presented with nasal obstruction, headache, and hyposmia. Nasal polyposis was the most common finding in CT scans, with many cases of retention cysts reported as polyps. In total, 50% of patients had a deviated septum. Concha bullosa was the most common finding among the various anatomical variations encroaching the ostiomeatal complex (OMC). In 60%–70% of cases, the CT scan grading correlated with operative findings. LM symptoms scores showed a poor correlation with both LM CT scores and the Kennedy stage.

Conclusions

Although CT provided detailed information on sinus involvement; its relation with symptom severity is not reliable. The Kennedy CT staging system correlated better with CRS symptoms. Thus, use of Kennedy staging could be useful to endoscopic sinus surgeons as it provides an insight into the pathophysiology, can guide treatment, and facilitate prognosis prediction in CRS.

Neuroradiology back to the future: head and neck imaging

SUMMARY

Imaging of the head and neck was initially described within the first year after Roentgen's discovery of the x-ray and was used to localize foreign bodies in the head and neck area, including the orbital, laryngeal, and esophageal regions. Subsequently, x-rays were used to evaluate the air-filled paranasal sinuses, the pneumatized temporal bone, and the upper aerodigestive tract. Special views for evaluating these structures were developed by early investigators. As contrast agents were developed, a variety of invasive procedures were developed to assess the structures of the head and neck. CT and MR imaging were applied to the extracranial head and neck slightly later than the brain and spine; these modalities revolutionized head and neck radiology, finally allowing assessment of the deeper structures of this complex anatomic region.

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.

Magnetic resonance imaging of congenital midline nasal masses

Congenital midline nasal masses are rare lesions with potential intracranial extensions. Thus, thoughtful preoperative evaluation is essential in planning the appropriate surgical approach, to prevent such complications as cerebral spinal fluid leaks and meningitis. Preoperative computerized tomographic (CT) scans are useful in visualizing bony defects, but are not well suited for soft tissue imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the latest advance in cross-sectional imaging technology. It offers superior soft tissue contrast, is noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. It is particularly useful in imaging encephaloceles. Three cases of congenital midline masses are presented as illustrations. Two dermoid cysts demonstrate the usefulness of MRI in ruling out intracranial extension. A large encephalocele dramatically demonstrates the superiority of MRI in imaging the brain herniating into the nose. Since MRI is noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation, it should be considered before CT scanning, to rule out intracranial extension.

CT of the paranasal sinuses

CT scanning has allowed the radiologist to image paranasal sinus disease with an accuracy and detail never before attainable. This information has made the imager an important member of the physician team that evaluates the operability and treatment planning of these patients. The protocol of the CT examination is discussed, the normal CT anatomy is reviewed and an approach to evaluating both inflammatory and malignant disease is presented.

Computed tomography of the nasopharynx and neck

Computed tomography (CT) is unparalleled for evaluation of the nasopharynx and the neck in comparison with other radiologic modalities. Its ability to demonstrate soft tissue and bone abnormalities has established its role as a primary method of radiologic diagnosis, frequently obviating the need for further radiologic elaboration. Furthermore, in many cases, CT provides distinction among inflammatory, neoplastic, and traumatic conditions.

Computed tomography of orbital medial wall fractures

Increasing experience with computed tomographic evaluation of head trauma reveals this radiologic modality to be superior to conventional polytomography in the assessment of certain areas of maxillofacial injury. A comparison of hypocycloidal polytomography and computed tomography in nine patients with fractures of the medial wall of the orbit reveals CT to be superior in localization of the fracture site, delineation of displaced bone fragments, and recognition of herniation of intraorbital contents into the ethmoid labyrinth. Information regarding damage to the nasolacrimal duct and associated intraorbital abnormalities such as the presence and location of hemorrhage and foreign bodies is also available from the CT scan.

Laryngeal malignancies and computerized tomography. A correlation of tomographic and histopathologic findings

We compared the anatomic structures, computerized tomographic (CT) scan images and the histopathologic findings after surgery in 15 patients with laryngeal epidermoid carcinoma. We examined the horizontal whole-mount histologic sections along with the preoperative CT and verified the preoperative impression of the soft tissue changes of preepiglottic space involvement; true cord, false cord and aryepiglottic fold invasion; or subglottic extension in all 15 patients. It was impossible to judge reliably the microscopic invasion of bone or cartilage with this method. Preoperative CT evaluation of carcinoma of the larynx was a reliable method for judging gross tumor size, though decisions regarding conservation surgery cannot be based on CT evaluation alone.

Recent advances in surgery of the larynx and trachea

Recent advances in surgery of the larynx and trachea have occurred in the general areas of diagnosis, pretreatment nutritional therapy, surgical technique, and reconstruction. In diagnosis the routine use of the flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope in the office and the use of computerized tomography have been valuable. The addition of enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy in selected patients with laryngeal cancer has been an advance. In the area of surgical technique, section of the recurrent nerve for the treatment of abductor laryngeal spastic dysphonia has proved successful. In the area of reconstruction the use of the epiglottic flap for repair of the larynx after near-total laryngectomy for glottic cancer and the use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for one-stage pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have been significant advances. An increase in the number of patients with chronic lung disease has created a new interest in tracheal fenestration.

Diagnosis of carotid body tumors by dynamic computerized tomography

The carotid body tumor, although uncommon, is frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses. When this lesion becomes a serious diagnostic possibility, angiography must be considered. Currently angiography is the only nonsurgical modality that can reliably confirm the clinical diagnosis. We describe the case of a patient in whom a carotid body tumor was diagnosed preoperatively by dynamic computerized tomography. Dynamic computerized tomography, a relatively noninvasive technique, should now be deemed the technique of choice for diagnosis of carotid body tumors, thus avoiding the potential morbidity of angiography. In patients for whom tumor removal is indicated, however, preoperative angiography is still mandatory in order to plan the best operative procedure.

Diagnosis and management decisions in infections of the deep fascial spaces of the head and neck utilizing computerized tomography

Infections of the deep spaces of the head and neck may still result in major consequences despite the advent of antibiotics. Abscesses in these areas merit special consideration by today's head and neck surgeon because of their relative rarity and the life-threatening complications that may follow inadequate treatment. Diagnosis and management decisions are enhanced by use of computerized tomography (CT) as an adjunctive study. The EMI scan may demonstrate either cellulitis of the neck requiring no surgery or a space abscess displacing the adjacent structures thus requiring surgical drainage. Anatomy of the significant fascial planes and spaces of the neck will reviewed employing CT utilizing 3 mm cuts. Specific case presentations feature early diagnosis and management.

Computed tomography vs laryngography: a comparison of relative diagnostic value

The computed tomography (CT) scans and laryngograms of 25 patients with laryngeal cancer were compared and evaluated in an assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of each modality in the supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic regions. Fourth generation scanners were used in these patients, all of whom subsequently underwent laryngectomy or partial laryngectomy. The clinical superiority of CT scanning was evident in several areas--confirming clinical impressions that laryngography is not as accurate as CT, is frequently misleading, and offers no significant advantages over CT. In this regard, we now believe that computed tomography is the most important radiologic adjunct in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, and we no longer order the laryngogram on a routine basis.

Computed tomography of the larynx: a clinical and pathologic study

Recent interest in the application of computed tomography (CT) to the evaluation of laryngeal tumors, and the fact that the larynx offers the unique opportunity of whole organ study after total laryngectomy, led to a prospective study of laryngoscopy, conventional tomography, and CT in relation to pathologic findings. The results showed that CT gives an exact assessment of laryngeal anatomy and tumor involvement, particularly in the paracordal and pre-epiglottic spaces. The laryngeal cartilages, which are not well demonstrated by any other means, are accurately delineated by CT. There is also good demonstration of the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis, including the anterior commissure, which is poorly shown by other radiologic methods and is sometimes poorly seen on laryngoscopy. Because CT and conventional tomography present images at 2 different planes, at right angles to each other, we believe that CT is entirely complementary to conventional tomography.

Computerized axial tomography in the assessment of thyroid cartilage invasion by laryngeal carcinoma: a prospective study

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of computerized axial tomography (CAT) in canine larynges that exhibit controlled surgical defects, and in 18 patients with biopsy-proved epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx who were studied prospectively. Five canine larynges with sequential surgical defects of 0 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm were studied by CAT in order to evaluate our ability to identify defects in the thyroid cartilage. A 5-mm collimator with overlapping sections at 3-mm intervals and a 13-mm collimator with 5-mm overlapping sections were both used for each stage of the experiment. Results show significantly improved resolution with the 5-mm collimator compared with the 13-mm unit. In the human study group, results demonstrated excellent (100%) soft-tissue tumor site correlation. It appears from this study that we still lack a highly reliable radiographic technique for evaluating preoperatively with accuracy the integrity of the thyroid cartilage in the patient with carcinoma of the larynx.

Value and limits of computer-assisted tomography

Three years ago, at the VIIth International Congress of Radiology in Otorhinolaryngology, held in Copenhagen, the early impressive results of computer-assisted tomography (CAT) in otorhinolaryngology were presented. Since considerable technologic and diagnostic progress of CAT has taken place in the meantime, questions about the increase in CAT's value and the expansion of its limits are appropriate now. Computed and, in some cases, conventional tomograms of facial lesions are used in the discussion of these questions. There is no doubt of CAT's advance within the last few years; there are, however, limits of CAT to be emphasized: (a) coronal CAT might be uncomfortable (especially if the gantry cannot be tilted), unsuccessful (e.g., in cases of neck stiffness), and even dangerous (when head injury is combined with trauma to the cervical spine); (b) enhancement is often not useful (except when intracranial tumor invasion is suspected); (c) specific diagnosis, based on CAT findings only, is impossible in most cases; (d) the radiation dose, which increases with improvement in the quality of the image, must be considered in each case; and (e) CAT does not replace conventional x-ray techniques, least of all polytomography.

Computer-assisted tomography: sinus lesions with orbital involvement

Computer-assisted tomography (CAT) is superior to other roentgenographic modalities in evaluation of paranasal sinus lesions whenever extension into the orbit is suspected. CAT not only demonstrates the orbital involvement, its location, and extent, but also the nature of the sinus lesion. Conclusions based on 43 cases of paranasal sinus lesions with orbital involvement are presented. The entities include sinusitis and orbital cellulitis, mucocele, polyposis, ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, cylindroma, osteoblastoma, lymphoma, carcinoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.

Massive chondroma of skull base

Images

Evaluation of computerized tomography, cinelaryngoscopy, and laryngography in determining the extent of laryngeal disease

A prospective study of over 100 cases comparing computerized tomography (CT) and correlating these studies with photographic motion picture studies of the larynx, conventional tomography and contrast laryngography has been performed. The authors give illustrative examples of cases in which the CT scan has been documented as providing equal and often times greater information concerning not only tumors, but also cystic lesions and traumatic lesions. With the newer technology, the reduced radiation (which is less than one half that of conventional tomography), and the decreased expense (now comparable to that of laryngography alone), eliminates the need for conventional laryngography and tomography examinations. The incorporation of motion picture documentation of the lesions allowing future comparative studies between the original lesion and the CT are recommended for a more accurate retrospective classification and assessment of therapeutic results.

Computed tomography of the normal larynx

A computed tomographic analysis of normal laryngeal anatomy was undertaken using cadaver larynxes. This was part of a larger project in which patients with laryngeal carcinoma were routinely evaluated in the computed tomographic (CT) body scanner. The appearance of normal laryngeal anatomy had to be delineated before disease processes of the larynx were evaluated, and this was accomplished using a computed tomographic technique with 5-mm slice thicknesses and a 3-mm overlap. The scan slices were then compared with anatomic sections taken at the same levels. The comparisons demonstrate an ideal level of accuracy that can be approached in the in-vivo larynx only with use of the latest-generation scanners. However, CT scanning is of immediate usefulness in the diagnosis of laryngeal pathology.