Invasion of the carotid artery and jugular vein by lymph node metastases: detection with sonography

Carotid Artery Resection and Reconstruction due to Benign and Malignant Head and Neck Tumors

OBJECTIVE

Carotid resection for head and neck cancer is rare, and serious complications may arise since such cancer is frequently detected in advanced stages. The objective is to describe nine cases of carotid artery resection and reconstruction due to tumor invasion.

METHODS

The clinical records of nine patients who underwent carotid resection and reconstruction at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Carotid body tumors were evaluated with the aid of a vascular team in case carotid resection was necessary at the time of surgery. CT angiography to determine the status of the circle of Willis was performed in all patients who might undergo carotid resection and reconstruction in case of failure to restore cerebral blood flow and thus reduce possible sequelae due to ligation.

RESULTS

Of nine patients, 6 had carotid body tumors, 1 had a thyroid tumor of conglomerate lymph nodes, 1 had a larynx tumor of conglomerate lymph nodes, and 1 had a myofibroblastic tumor. There were no intraoperative cerebrovascular accidents. One patient (11.1%) had a cerebrovascular accident secondary to carotid hematoma in the intermediate postoperative period that required vascular graft removal. One patient (11.1%) died seven days after surgery following an ischemic cerebrovascular accident. Eight patients remain asymptomatic, and 1 patient with recurrence and metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid resection remains a controversial issue in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer. However, carotid resection and reconstruction are required for disease control, and complications such as thrombosis or vascular accidents may arise. Fortunately, this is a rare condition. We recommend carotid reconstruction for all patients in whom resection is required for tumor control. Ligation should be a last resort, as seen in the management of one of our patients.

Utility of computed tomography findings as a predictor of carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the diagnostic criteria for unresectable tumors. However, to date, the diagnostic criteria for carotid artery invasion have not been well documented. This study investigated the utility of computed tomography (CT) findings as a predictor of carotid artery invasion by metastatic lymph nodes in HNSCC.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients who had metastatic lymph nodes of HNSCC attached to the carotid artery as seen on CT images before neck dissection from January 2011 to November 2017 were included. Five imaging parameters (angle of contact [AC], length of contact [LC], haziness of the carotid artery wall [HW], size of the lymph node, and involvement of the bifurcation of the carotid artery [IB]) were assessed using CT to predict carotid artery invasion. Furthermore, the utility of the combination of these five parameters was evaluated.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in AC, LC, and IB between patients with and without carotid artery invasion. There were significant differences in all combinations of the two image findings between patients with and without carotid artery invasion. In particular, the combinations of LC and HW, and LC and IB could clearly predict carotid artery invasion.

CONCLUSION

AC, LC, and IB were useful predictors of carotid artery invasion of metastatic lymph nodes in HNSCC. This study is the first to report that IB is a useful predictor of carotid artery invasion in HNSCC.

Use of dynamic MRI during swallowing to assess carotid artery invasion by neck metastasis

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of dynamic MRI in evaluating the relationship between metastatic lymph nodes and the carotid artery was investigated.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with metastatic lymph nodes, possibly adherent to the carotid artery, were evaluated with dynamic MRI before surgery. Consecutive axial and oblique images were obtained during swallowing. The displacement rate of the target carotid artery to the contralateral carotid artery and the low-intensity stripe between the metastatic lymph nodes and the carotid artery wall were compared with the surgical findings.

RESULTS

A displacement rate > 50% indicated resectable metastatic lymph nodes. Low-intensity stripe was present in 65% of patients and indicated no invasion; 82% of patients without low-intensity stripe had resectable metastatic lymph nodes. The others without low-intensity stripe required carotid artery resection due to malignant invasion. The accuracy rate, sensitivity, and specificity were 78%, 83%, and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic MRI during swallowing is useful for assessing suspected carotid artery involvement in patients with metastatic lymph nodes to achieve maximal safe resection.

Clinical impact of radiographic carotid artery involvement in neck metastases from head and neck cancer

The treatment of lymph node metastases involving the carotid artery is controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients with radiographic carotid artery involvement in neck metastases. A total of 27 patients with head and neck cancer and radiologically diagnosed advanced metastases involving the common carotid artery or internal carotid artery were enrolled. All patients underwent a primary or salvage neck dissection and surgical carotid peeling. The oncological outcome and survival of all patients were analyzed. Loco-regional control was observed in 13 of the 27 patients (48.1%). During follow-up, five patients (18.5%) developed second primaries and 11 (40.7%) developed distant metastases. The survival time was poor independent of regional control. The median overall survival was 1.55 years and disease-free survival was 0.71 year. Radiographic carotid artery involvement in neck metastases in head and neck cancer appears to correlate with a poor long-term prognosis, with a high rate of distant metastases despite loco-regional control.

Sonopalpation

Objective

To study the sensitivity and specificity of physical examination, ultrasound (US) alone, and sonopalpation (concurrent US and transoral palpation) for identification of submandibular gland (SMG) calculi.

Study Design

Case series with prospective data collection.

Setting

Tertiary-level academic center.

Subject and Methods

Patients with suspected SMG swelling were examined by physical examination, US alone, and sonopalpation. The presence or absence and location of sialolithiasis was noted in each group. Sialendoscopy, open sialolithotomy, or sialadenectomy was performed as the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity for each technique was then determined.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were identified with SMG swelling. Physical examination, US, and sonopalpation positively identified sialoliths in 49, 54, and 57 patients, respectively. Fifty-nine patients eventually demonstrated calculi. Sensitivity of physical examination, US alone, and sonopalpation for SMG calculi was 83%, 91%, and 96.6%, respectively. Specificity for physical examination was 60%, 80% for US alone, and 90% for sonopalpation. Of 59 patients with stones, 17 patients underwent purely endoscopic procedures, 36 patients underwent combined or purely transoral approaches, and 6 underwent sialadenectomy. Of the 3 modalities, only sonopalpation was able to both identify and localize pathology and guide treatment management.

Conclusion

US is effective in the diagnosis and management of SMG stones during sialendoscopy or sialolithotomy. Sonopalpation has increased sensitivity and specificity over US alone or physical examination not only for the detection of SMG calculi but also for localization of pathology in the ductal system.

Prognostic factors in advanced pharyngeal and oral cavity cancer; significance of multimodality imaging in terms of 7th edition of TNM

As with most cancers the prognosis in pharyngeal and oral cavity cancer largely depends on tumour stage. Physical examination, including endoscopy should be combined with technical radiologic imaging to record the precise extent of tumour. The TNM staging system of the head and neck region is, in fact, an anatomic staging system that describes the anatomic extent of the primary tumour as well as the involvement of regional lymph nodes and distant metastases. Modifications in the TNM staging system should consider not only the expert opinions and published reports in the literature but the technical advances in technology for improved assessment of tumour extent and the shifting paradigms in therapeutic strategies. “T” stage of the tumour is defined by its size, the depth of the invasion and the involvement of vital structures. In the 7th edition of TNM classification, for stage T4 tumors (larger than 4 cm), subcategories a and b were introduced to indicate the involvement of vital structures and their suitability for surgical resection (except for nasopharynx cancer). Nodal metastasis is the most important predictor of outcome for squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

Better and more reliable methods of pretreatment tumour assessment are therefore crucial to ensure that the clinical assessment of tumor approximates its actual pathologic extent.

CT and MRI are both useful for assessing extensions of pharyngeal- and oral cavity cancer in advanced stage. MRI is superior in visualizing most primary tumour sites.

Fatal bleeding in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient after concurrent chemoradiation plus cetuximab: a case report

Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) refers to the clinical signs and symptoms related to rupture of the carotid artery (CA) and its branches, which mainly results from malignant invasion of the CA by head and neck cancers. Here, we present a 46-year-old male patient who suffered from nasopharyngeal carcinoma and was treated with a combination of chemoradiation and cetuximab. The patient was stage IVb (T4N2M0) clinically, with encasement of the left internal carotid artery, as shown on pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging. Three months after completion of radiotherapy, the patient died of sudden massive epistaxis. CBS is a lethal complication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, so the risk of CBS should be carefully assessed in patients with imaging showing CA encasement. Till now, the precise prediction and prevention of CBS remain to be explored.

Cervical lymph node evaluation and diagnosis

This article discusses the rationale for imaging cervical lymph nodes and reviews nodal anatomy and common drainage patterns, imaging features of pathologic lymph nodes, and the advantages of various imaging modalities available for evaluation and diagnosis of the lymph nodes.

Value of MR and CT Imaging for Assessment of Internal Carotid Artery Encasement in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective. This study was conducted to assess the value of CT and MR imaging in the preoperative evaluation of ICA encasement. Methods. Based upon three patient groups this study was performed. Retrospective analysis of 260 neck dissection reports from 2001 to 2010 was performed to determine unexpected peroperative-diagnosed encasement. Two experienced head and neck radiologists reviewed 12 scans for encasement. Results. In four out of 260 (1.5%) patients undergoing neck dissection, preoperative imaging was false negative as there was peroperative encasement of the ICA. Of 380 patients undergoing preoperative imaging, the radiologist reported encasement of the ICA in 25 cases. In 342 cases no encasement was described, 125 of these underwent neck dissection, and 2 had encasement peroperatively. The interobserver variation kappa varied from 0.273 to 1 for the different characteristics studied. Conclusion. These retrospectively studied cohorts demonstrate that preoperative assessment of encasement of the ICA using MRI and/or CT was of value in evaluation of ICA encasement and therefore contributively in selecting operable patients (without ICA encasement), since in only 1.5% encasement was missed. However, observer variation affects the reliability of this feature.

Cervical lymph node metastases in head & neck malignancy - A Clinical /ultrasonographic/ Histopathological comparative study

A study was conducted on the value of Ultrasound (US) in the detection of cervical lymph node metastases in cases of Head and Neck malignancy; and its usefulness in planning surgical management. The clinical, ullrasonographic and histopathological examination (HPE) findings were compared in 20 patients as a preliminary assessment of this ongoing study. Clinically and ultrasonogiaphically, patients were assessed for presence of nodes, their size, shape, mobility and overall positivity for malignancy. All patients then underwent neck dissection, and individual nodes from the specimens were assessed by HPE.It was found that US, when compared with clinical examination had a sensitivity of 47.62% versus 43.75%, specificity of 77.78% versus 25.0% and an accuracy of 61.54% as opposed to 38.9%. US proved valuable in detecting sub-clinical nodes, central necrosis, extra-capsular spread, pressure on large vessels - all indicators of metastatic spread. Hence, US was found to be efficient and cost-effective pre-operatively, in planning surgical management.

Cervical lymph nodes

The lymph node staging is a very important prognostic parameter for patients with presenting with head neck cancer and is influencing the selection of the different therapeutic strategies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of them. The accuracy of imaging techniques, such as US, MR imaging, and CT, depends on the appropriateness of radiological criteria used for diagnosing lymph node metastases. Size of nodes and evidence of necrosis are still the most important radiological criteria. However, the size shows great variability. A spherical lymph node larger than 10mm is an indicator for a malignant node, whereas an oval shape and/or a fatty hilus are more benign signs. But there are many limitations and different cut offs published in the literature, indicating that the size of a lymph node is not a reliable criteria for the assessment of lymph nodes in the head and neck region. Today new high-resolution MRI sequences and the development of specific contrast agents are offering new possibilities in the diagnostic work-up of head and neck lymph nodes. Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIO's) are resulting after intravenous application in a reduction of the T2 relaxation time. This is causing a signal decrease on T2-weighted MR images in benign lymph nodes after administration of USPIO's, whereas malignant lymph nodes do not show a significant signal decrease. Some clinical studies presented already very promising results. Based on the fact, that the size evaluation of lymph nodes in the head and neck has not changed during the last decade, this paper will mainly focus on MRI with new contrast agents and new techniques as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).

Imaging of cervical lymph nodes in head and neck cancer: the basics

Imaging can identify pathologic cervical adenopathy in a significant number of patients with head and neck cancer who have no palpable adenopathy on physical examination. This article reviews nodal classification, drainage patterns of different head and neck cancers, various cross-sectional imaging features of metastatic lymph nodes from head and neck cancer, nodal staging, and certain features like extracapsular spread and carotid and vertebral invasion that the clinician should know because they have therapeutic and prognostic implications. New imaging techniques and the role of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging in recurrent disease are discussed.

What the clinician wants to know: surgical perspective and ultrasound for lymph node imaging of the neck

Imaging of lymph node metastases in the neck can have two major indications: (1) prognosis and assisting with choice of treatment; (2) staging and detection of clinically occult metastases in different levels of the neck. Both indications are discussed. The role and limitations of US and US-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology are also reviewed.

Diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution neck ultrasonography in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a prospective study of the diagnostic value of features of cervical lymph nodes (large size, central location, abnormal shape, cystic changes, calcifications, and loss of echogenic hilum), assessed by neck ultrasonography (US), in patients scheduled for surgical treatment of persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer.

METHODS

We studied 152 US abnormalities in 42 patients (median age, 38.5 years) who had undergone one or more neck operations, with or without radioiodine therapy, but continued to have persistent or recurrent disease, which was confirmed by fine-needle aspiration. Another surgical procedure was planned for these patients. On the day of operation, patients underwent a detailed US neck examination by an experienced radiologist. US abnormalities were plotted on a standard diagram of the neck and given specific numbers to help track them during surgical intervention and histopathologic examinations. The US features were compared with the final histopathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 152 US abnormalities, 127 involved cervical lymph nodes and 25 involved other types of tissue. In univariate analysis, size, absent echogenic hilum, cystic changes, calcifications, and central location (medial to the sternomastoid muscle) of cervical lymph nodes were significantly associated with the presence of metastatic involvement. In multivariate analysis, only central location (odds ratio, 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 10.10) and size (odds ratio, 5.14; 95% CI, 1.64 to 16.06) remained significant. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the size of lymph nodes showed a large area under the curve of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.85), and a size of 7.5 mm showed the highest sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION

Size and central location of cervical lymph nodes assessed by US during follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were the most important predictors of presence of metastatic disease.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting absence of fixation of head and neck cancer to the prevertebral space

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the preoperative accuracy of preservation of the retropharyngeal fat plane on magnetic resonance (MR) images in predicting the absence of fixation or extension of head and neck carcinomas to the prevertebral space.

METHODS

The MR images of 75 patients with T3 or T4 primary pharyngeal or laryngeal cancers seen over a 5-year period and treated at our Head and Neck Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. The MR images were independently and blindly evaluated by two head and neck radiologists for preservation of the retropharyngeal fat plane between the tumor and prevertebral musculature. In cases in which the fat was preserved, the prevertebral muscle complex was assessed for the presence of T2 hyperintensity and enhancement. All patients underwent panendoscopy, surgery, or both.

RESULTS

Forty of 75 patients had preservation of the retropharyngeal fat plane between the tumor and the prevertebral compartment on T1-weighted images. In all 40 cases, the prevertebral muscles had a normal appearance on T2-weighted and enhanced MR images. Intraoperative assessment revealed absence of fixation of tumor to the prevertebral fascia in 39 of 40 cases, and these tumors were resectable.

CONCLUSION

In patients with advanced head and neck carcinomas, preservation of the fat between the tumor and the prevertebral musculature on unenhanced T1-weighted images reliably predicts absence of prevertebral space fixation.

Carotid artery and jugular vein invasion of oral-maxillofacial and neck malignant tumors: diagnostic value of computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to disclose the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) images in detecting carotid artery and jugular vein invasion by oral-maxillofacial and neck malignant tumors. Study design Forty-three patients (44 tumors) who had had enhanced CT examination before surgical treatment of oral-maxillofacial and neck malignant tumors were evaluated. The CT manifestations of all tumors were retrospectively compared with the surgical findings.

RESULTS

Surgical findings recorded that the oral-maxillofacial and neck tumors adhered to 11 of 44 common carotid arteries (CCA) or internal carotid arteries (ICA) and 25 of 44 jugular veins (JV). The abnormal CT manifestations of the 44 oral-maxillofacial and neck malignant tumors with CCA, ICA, and JV involvement consisted of 6 types: type I, compression and deformation of CCA or ICA in 4 tumors and JV in 28 tumors; type II, obliteration of IJV on segmental axial CT views in 13 tumors; type III, displacement of CCA or ICA in 14 tumors and JV in 18 tumors; type IV, tumor encasement of greater than 180 degrees of the circumference of the carotid vessels in 5 tumors; type V, the segmental deletion of fat or fascial planes between tumor and CCA or ICA in 16 tumors and JV in 33 tumors; and type VI, ill-defined CCA or ICA wall in 7 tumors. The respective sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 36.4%, 100%, and 84.1% for compression and deformation of CCA or ICA; 84%, 63.2%, and 75% for compression and deformation of JV; 52%, 100%, and 72.7% for obliteration of JV in segmental axial CT views; 36.4% to 52%, 53.8% to 69.7%, and 61.4% for displacement of CCA or ICA and JV; 18.5%, 100%, and 50% for tumor encasement of greater than 180 degrees of the circumference of the carotid vessels; 90.9%, 81.8%, and 84.1% for partial fat or fascia deletion between tumor and CCA or ICA; 92%, 47.4%, and 72.7% for partial fat or fascia deletion between tumor and JV; and 36.4%, 90.9%, and 77.3% for ill-defined CCA or ICA wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Various CT findings are of value in the diagnosis of oral-maxillofacial and neck malignant tumors that affect the carotid arteries and jugular veins. Comparatively, the signs of compression and deformation of the CCA or ICA, segmental obliteration of the JV, undefined CCA or ICA wall, and fat or fascial plane deletion between a tumor and the CCA or ICA may be valuable in diagnosing ICA and JV invasion, although accurate diagnosis of CCA or ICA involvement by the oral-maxillofacial and neck malignant tumors remains difficult.

Carotid resection and reconstruction for locally advanced head and neck tumors

Head and neck surgeons hesitate to resect the carotid artery because of the postoperative risk of neurologic sequelae. However, there is no curative therapeutic option for head and neck neoplasms involving the carotid artery, with the exception of complete tumor removal. To evaluate the benefits and risks of carotid revascularization techniques in locally advanced head and neck tumors we performed a retrospective analysis in an institutional, tertiary care medical center. Seven patients (5 males, 2 females) with a median age of 58 years underwent en bloc removal of locally advanced head and neck tumors, including carotid resection and revascularization, in the University of Vienna General Hospital, over a 15-year period. In six patients carotid reconstruction was accomplished by bypass grafting (five autologous grafts, one synthetic graft) and in one patient angiopatchplasty was used. There were no perioperative neurologic complications or deaths. Survival was > 12 months in 5/7 patients; the other 2 patients died within 6 months due to untractable progression of cancer. We conclude that carotid revascularization techniques offer the possibility of better local control for advanced head and neck tumors without additional risks of neuromorbidity or mortality.

Sonography of soft tissue masses of the neck

In many clinical conditions, high-resolution sonography and color (power) Doppler sonography can be used as the first-line modality for evaluating cervical soft tissue masses. Cervical cysts, lipomas, paragangliomas, neurogenic tumors, hemangiomas, and lymphangiomas often exhibit characteristic sonographic appearances. Sonography can be used for lymph node assessment, and most salivary gland diseases can be diagnosed sonographically. Sonography can be used to guide needle biopsy of soft tissue neoplasms and lymph nodes. In addition, the relationship between a cervical mass and the great vessels can be evaluated.

Sonography of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

Sonography is the first line modality for assessment of thyroid and parathyroid pathologies. Sonographic and color Doppler patterns of diffuse and focal pathologies of the thyroid are presented in this article. The accuracy of sonography in the localization of enlarged parathyroid glands is also discussed. The limitations of sonography in specifying focal thyroid diseases and the problems in localizing ectopic parathyroid adenoma are addressed.

Ultrasound of the neck

Sonography, when performed by an experienced examiner, can be used for evaluation of many pathologies in the head and neck area. Some benign neck lesions, such as cysts, lipomas, carotid body tumors, and hyperplastic lymph nodes, have typical sonomorphology. Sonography has an accuracy rate of about 90% in cervical lymph node staging and can delineate subclinical lymph node recurrences. It is the method of choice for evaluation of tumor infiltrations of the wall of the great vessels. Salivary gland tumors in the superficial lobe can be delineated completely by sonography. Salivary stones can be detected and localized. Carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth with T1 and T2 staging can be assessed by US. The use and contribution of color Doppler sonography for the assessment of pathologic entities in the neck is a method under clinical investigation. US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes and tumors of the salivary glands is easy to perform and is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity. To perform US examinations of the head and neck area of the highest quality the examiner should be familiar with the anatomy of the head and neck, be informed about the clinical problem, and have experience in the interpretation of abnormal US findings. US of the head and neck area is one of the most difficult sonographic examinations and should be performed by an experienced physician.

Assessment of carotid artery invasion in patients with head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

Define radiological and histological features in which patients with head and neck cancer would benefit from a carotid artery resection. Resection of the carotid artery has been advocated for local control of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. To provide appropriate preoperative counseling and optimize the utilization of resources, the criteria for patient selection has to be defined.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients underwent carotid artery resection based on the clinical impression of tumor fixation. Eighteen and 28 patients were evaluated using computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis, respectively. The distance between the tumor cells and external elastic lamina was measured. CT scans were examined to determine the circumference of tumor attachment around the carotid artery.

RESULTS

Clinical assessment predicted tumor within 1.8 mm of the carotid artery in 68% of cases. The overall survival for patients with tumor greater than 1.8 mm (N = 9) was better than that of patients with less (N = 19) than 1.8 mm (33.3% vs. 5.3%; median 24 versus 9 mo, P = .0899). Three of six patients (50%) with less than 180 degrees circumference tumor attachment had tumor within 1.8 mm from the external elastic lamina. Eight of twelve patients (67%) with tumors encompassing more than 180 degrees of the artery wall had tumor within 1.8 mm from the external elastic lamina. The overall survival rates for patients with tumor attachment greater and less than 180 degrees were 8.3% and 33%, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Tumor invasion into the carotid artery was the strongest predictor of outcome. Clinical assessment was as predictive as CT for tumor invasion. If tumor involvement of the carotid artery is less than 180 degrees, peeling the tumor is an alternative to carotid artery resection.

Radiologic evaluation of neck metastases: the otolaryngologist's perspective

Imaging of the neck for the assessment of nodal metastases can be used to detect occult metastases or to assess operability of palpable metastases. The detection of small occult metastases has limitations, as micrometastases cannot be depicted. However, imaging can diminish the risk of occult metastases and thus influence management; for this purpose a very sensitive technique is necessary. The currently used radiologic criteria are not sensitive enough to accomplish enough reduction in the risk of occult metastases. Therefore, more sensitive CT and MRI criteria, but especially ultrasound guided aspiration, should be used to assess the clinically negative neck.

Assessment of cervical lymph node status in head and neck cancer patients: palpation, computed tomography and low field magnetic resonance imaging compared with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology

OBJECTIVE

Since the assessment of lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer patients remains a major problem, the findings of different imaging methods and the role of these methods in the clinical management are compared.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Palpation, computed tomography (CT) and low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 0.1 T) are evaluated and compared with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-guided FNAC) prospectively in 105 consecutive patients with a primary cancer in the head and neck region.

RESULTS

In the subgroup of 86 patients with palpable normal necks, CT showed lymph nodes fulfilling the radiologic criteria for malignancy in 27% (23/86), MRI in 17% (10/60) and US in 14% (12/86) of the patients US guided FNAC usually showed malignancy in necks containing lymph nodes with central necrosis on CT, but the enlarged lymph nodes that were also common on the contralateral side were often benign on cytology. In 5 patients, FNAC under US-guidance showed malignancy although none of them had lymph nodes fulfilling the radiologic criteria for malignancy. In the other subgroup of 19 patients with palpable metastatic necks, 2 patients had bilateral metastases detected by all imaging methods but not by palpation.

CONCLUSION

CT is superior to low field MRI in depicting small pathologic lymph nodes. Unlike lymph node structure, lymph node size is not a highly reliable criterion for malignancy. The findings must be correlated in relation to the primary disease. Since FNAC under US-guidance offers additional information about enlarged lymph nodes and since it can show malignancy in small lymph nodes not found by other methods, it can be recommended for most head and neck cancer patients irrespective of the use of CT or MRI.

Thoraxsonography--Part I: Chest wall and pleura

The fact that ultrasound (US) waves are reflected completely by the bony thorax and are erased from the aerated lung to a large extent led to the mistaken notion that sonography is not a very useful diagnostic tool for use in this region. On the other hand, since the beginning of US imaging, reports have been published regularly on pleuropulmonary sonographic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Rib fractures could be detected about twice as often by US than x-ray. With regard to determining the nodal status in neoplastic disease of the axilla and supraclavicular fossa, US is superior to palpation. In imaging pleural effusions, US is more accurate than chest film and is useful in determining the nature of the pleural effusion. Sonographic evidence of pleural nodules is a specific finding in patients with a malignant effusion. Chest sonography is a useful diagnostic tool for critically ill patients with chest diseases. Performed at the bedside, this technique can be particularly helpful when computed tomography is not available or when critically ill patients cannot be moved.

Neoplastic obstruction of the abdominal aorta

Obstruction of major arteries by neoplastic tissue is rare. A case of symptomatic obstruction of the distal abdominal aorta by metastatic carcinoma of the cervix, presenting 6 years after initial diagnosis, is described.

Ultrasonography is more effective than computed tomography in excluding invasion of the carotid wall by cervical lymphadenopathies

Twelve patients with head and neck cancer, bulky lymphadenopathies, and clinical suspicion of carotid artery infiltration, had preoperative CT and US. The results of both techniques were correlated with surgical findings (one case of invasion and 11 of non-invasion), to evaluate the role of CT and US in the preoperative diagnosis of tumor invasion of the carotid wall. While CT showed a high level of failures (11 false positives and one true positive), US (one true positive, one false negative, and 10 true negatives) appears to be an easy and helpful method for predicting non-invasion of the carotid wall. However, the usefulness of US in detecting invasion cannot be evaluated, due to the limited number of positive cases.