Research Article: Pictorial Review of MRI Findings in Acute Neck Infections in Children
Abstract:
Pediatric neck infections and their complications, such as abscesses extending to deep neck compartments, are potentially life-threatening acute conditions. Medical imaging aims to verify abscesses and their extensions and exclude other complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven to be a useful and highly accurate imaging method in acute neck infections in children. Children and adults differ in terms of the types of acute infections and the anatomy and function of the neck. This pictorial review summarizes typical findings in pediatric patients with neck infections and discusses some difficulties related to image interpretation.
Introduction:
Most conventional neck infections can be managed conservatively. However, deep neck infections possess a high risk for serious complications, such as abscess formation, mediastinitis, airway compromise, and venous thrombosis due to the infection spreading along the fascial planes and potential face and neck spaces. These complications are potentially lethal [1]. In children, prompt surgical treatment may be necessary, including cervical incision, intraoral incision, immediate tonsillectomy, or rarely, dental…
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