1991; 27(2) : Journal of Korean Radiological Society, March , 1991 Computed Tomography of Deep Neck Infections Hyung Jin Kim, M.D. , Hae Gyeong Chung, M.D. , Jae Hyoung Kim, M.D. , Eui Gee Hwang, M.D.* , Sea Young Jeon* , M.D. , Sung Hoon Chung , M.D. Department of Radiology, Col1ege of Medicine , Gyeongsang National University - Abstract- We retrospectively reviewed the CT of 11 patients with deep neck infections with a special emphasis on the loca- tion and extent of the infection . the presence or absence of a drainable abscess . and , if any . associated complica- tions . CT correctly denoted the location and extent of the space infection. even though the individuallayers of the deep cervical fascia per se could not be identified. Infection was most frequent at the transhyoid neck (n = 7) and confined to the suprahyoid and infrahyoid neck in 2 cases . respectively . There were common spaces involved ac- cording to A1l 3 patients with dental infections of the lower third molar had involvement of the submylohyoid space . In 1 patient with a fishbons injury to the month f1 oor. the infection was found at the submylohyoid space as well as sublingual space . CT clearly pointed out the presence of a drainable abscess in all surgically prov- ed 10 patients , among whom the gas bubbles were seen in 5 patients . In addition. CT demonstrated the significant complications of deep neck infection. and these were mediastinal involvement (n=2). airway en- croachment (n=2) . jugular vein thrombosis (n=2). and reactive cervicallympnadenopathy (n=5) . We con- clude that CT can be used as a principal diagnostic tool in the evaluation of deep neck infections . Index Words: Fac e. inf e ctions 20.20 Neck , infections 27.20 Neck, computed tomography 27.1211 Deep neck infections are potentially life- threatening conditions , but often result in dilemmas in diagnosis and treatmen t. While computed tomography (CT) has played a primary role in the evaluation of neoplastic disord e rs of the neck . only a few reports on CT of cervical infections have been found in the literature (1-5). Needless to say. thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the deep fascial layers and spaces of the neck is essential in order to unders- tand the pathways of spread and complications of cer- vical infections. We report 11 cases of deep neck infections evaluated by CT with a special empha sis on their modes of spread and complications . Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed CT of 11 patients with deep neck infections from Marc I1. 1989 to September . 1990 , and compared it with the surgical and/or medical findings. Patients only with infected cysts or neoplasms or reactive cervical adenitis were exclud- ed. There were eight men and three women , ages ranging from 3 to 67 years (mean age. 36 years). All patients presented with tender neck swelling and had a variable degree of fever and leukocytosis. The underlying cause or condition was obtainable from medical history in ten patients; dental (lower third molar) infections in three , upper respiratory tract in- fections in three. and foreign body. infected hematoma . infected surgic a1 wound , and diabetes mellitus each in one patient. Operation was done in ten patients. In another one patient the diagnosis was based on the clinical and CT findings and the clinical improvement after the administration of an- * Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine , Gyeongsang National University Received November 30. accepted February 13 , 1991 - 199-
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대 한 방사선 의 학 회 지 1991; 27(2) : 199~205 Journal of Korean Radiological Society, March , 1991
Computed Tomography of Deep Neck Infections
Hyung Jin Kim, M.D. , Hae Gyeong Chung, M.D. , Jae Hyoung Kim, M.D. , Eui Gee Hwang, M.D.* , Sea Young Jeon* , M.D. , Sung Hoon Chung, M.D.
Department of Radiology, Col1ege of Medicine , Gyeongsang National University
- Abstract-
We retrospectively reviewed the CT of 11 patients with deep neck infections with a special emphasis on the loca
tion and extent of the infection. the presence or absence of a drainable abscess. and , if any. associated complica
tions. CT correctly denoted the location and extent of the space infection. even though the individuallayers of the
deep cervical fascia per se could not be identified. Infection was most frequent at the transhyoid neck (n = 7) and
confined to the suprahyoid and infrahyoid neck in 2 cases. respectively. There were common spaces involved ac
cording to etiolo잉T. A1l 3 patients with dental infections of the lower third molar had involvement of the submylohyoid
space. In 1 patient with a fishbons injury to the month f1oor. the infection was found at the submylohyoid space
as well as sublingual space. CT clearly pointed out the presence of a drainable abscess in all surgically prov
ed 10 patients , among whom the gas bubbles were seen in 5 patients. In addition. CT demonstrated the
significant complications of deep neck infection. and these were mediastinal involvement (n=2). airway en
croachment (n=2) . jugular vein thrombosis (n=2). and reactive cervicallympnadenopathy (n=5) . We con
clude that CT can be used as a principal diagnostic tool in the evaluation of deep neck infections.
Index Words: Face. infections 20.20
Neck , infections 27.20
Neck, computed tomography 27.1211
Deep neck infections are potentially life
threatening conditions , but often result in dilemmas
in diagnosis and treatmen t. While computed
tomography (CT) has played a primary role in the
evaluation of neoplastic disorders of the neck. only
a few reports on CT of cervical infections have been
found in the literature (1-5). Needless to say. thorough
knowledge of the anatomy of the deep fascial layers
and spaces of the neck is essential in order to unders
tand the pathways of spread and complications of cer
vical infections. We report 11 cases of deep neck
infections evaluated by CT with a special emphasis on
their modes of spread and complications.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively reviewed CT of 11 patients with
*경상대학교 의과대학 이비인후과학교실
deep neck infections from MarcI1. 1989 to September.
1990 , and compared it with the surgical and/or
medical findings. Patients only with infected cysts or
neoplasms or reactive cervical adenitis were exclud
ed. There were eight men and three women , ages
ranging from 3 to 67 years (mean age. 36 years). All
patients presented with tender neck swelling and had
a variable degree of fever and leukocytosis. The
underlying cause or condition was obtainable from
medical history in ten patients; dental (lower third
molar) infections in three , upper respiratory tract in
fections in three. and foreign body. infected
hematoma. infected surgica1 wound , and diabetes
mellitus each in one patient. Operation was done in
ten patients. In another one patient the diagnosis
was based on the clinical and CT findings and the
clinical improvement after the administration of an-
* Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine , Gyeongsang National University
이 논문은 1990년 II월 30일 접수하여 1991년 2월 1 3일에 채택되었음
Received November 30. accepted February 13 , 1991
- 199-
Journal of Korean Radiolog’cal Society 1991; 27(2): 199-205
CT. even though the individuallayers of the deep cer
vical fascia per se could not be seen. In all case. adja
cent two or more cervical spaces were involved with
some preferential pathways according to their
etiologic events. In three cases with dental infection
ofthe lower third molar. the submylohyoid space was
unanimously involved. from which infection spread
to other related spaces (Case 1.2 and 5) (Fig. 1. Fig.
2). In three cases with upper respiratory tract infec
tion. the anterior andlor posterior visceral spaces
were involved with other contiguous spaces (C잃e3.4
and 11) (Fig. 3. Fig. 4). In one case associated with fishbone injury to the mouth floor. the sublingual 킹ld
a submylohyoid spaces were involved with other spaces (Case 8) (Fig. 5). Each one case of infected
hematoma and infected surgical wound had the le-
The CT findings and corresponding etiologic sion at the spaces closely related to previous trauma
events are summarized in Table 1. lnfection was most and surgery. respectively (Case 7 and 9). There were
frequent at the transhyoid neck. i.e. both at the three cases of the midline crossing of the infection.
suprahyoid and infrahyoid levels. seen in seven cases. in two ofwhich it occurred anteriorly probably either
It was confined to the suprahyoid neck in two cases. through the superfici외 space of the neck or through
and to the infrahyoid neck in another two cases. The the disrupted superficial layer of the deep cervical
precise location and extent of infection in respect to fascia (Case 6 and 8) (Fig. 6). In the other case it oc-
the anatomical spaces could be clearly identified on curred posteriorly through the retropharyngeal space
tibiotics. Specific organisms were cultured in six
among surgically proven ten patients
CT was perforrned on a 9800 scanner (GE Medical
System. Milwaukee) with a routine use ofintravenous
contrast material. Only axial scans were obtained
with either 5 mm or 1 cm slice thickness and inter
val through the region of interest. The gantry angle
was modified to minimize artifacts from dental reconstructions. CT was analyzed with a special
reference to the location and extent of infection. the
presence or absence of a drainable abscess with or
without gas bubbles. and. if any. associated findings
or complications.
Results
Fig. 1. Case 1. Deep neck infection due to the infected lower third molar. a. Axial scan through the mouth 110or. An air pocket is seen at the right submylohyoid space. lateral to the mylohyoid muscle (arrow). b. Axial scan 1 cm inferior to a. Gas bubbles associated with a rim enhancing abscess are also seen at the right sublingual space. between the mylohyoid muscle laterally (arrow) and the geniohyoid muscle medially (double arrows). a b
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Hyung Jin Kim , et al : Computed Tomography of Deep Neck Infections
(Case 4) (Fig. 3a). found in five cases. two of which presented them
CT correctly differentiated abscess from cellulitis. within the carotid sheath as well as other spaces of
and demonstrated an abscess in all surgically proven the neck. In these two cases CT additionally showed
ten cases. In one case in which CT also showed a a compressed or nonenhancing portion of the inter-
sizable abscess. symptomatic improvement was nal jugular vein during its course and surgery con-
followed by the administration of antibiotics. so firmed jugular vein erosion accompanied by
surgerγ was obviated (Case 10). The gas bubbles were thrombosis in both cases (Case 4 and 6) (Fig. 6).
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Table 1. Summary of CT Findings and Etiologic Events of Deep Neck Infections
No/Age/Sex Anatomic spaces involved Abscess Gas Associated findings Etiologic events
Journal of Korean Radiological Society 1991 ; 27(2) : 199-205
a b
Fig.4. Case 11. Deep neck infection following the pharyngeal infection. Pre-(a) and post-enhanced (b) scans through the thyroid glands show the multiseptated abscess involving both the left anterior and posterior visceral spaces. displacing the neck vessels and sternoc1eidomastoid musc1e laterally and trachea to the left. The anteriorly displaced and compressed ipsilateral thyroid gland is well visualized on the preenhanced scan (arrows in a) .
5a 5b 6 Fig. 5. Case 8 . Deep neck infectin following a fishbone injury to the mouth floor. a. Axial scan at the level of the superior aspect of the hyoid. The abscess containing gas bubbles involves the left sublingual (arrow) and submylohyoid (arrowheads) spaces. b . Axial scan through the thyroid cartilage. The abscess extends anteroinferiorly a10ng the fascia1 pl없les of the strap musc1es causing disruption of the platysma musc1e (arrow) . Note the ragged appearance of the anterior aspect of the ipsilateral sternoc1eidomastoid musc1e due to the destructive process (arrowheads). Fig. 6. Case 6 . Deep neck infection complicated by the jugular vein thrombosis. This 43-year-old diabetic had an extensive necrotizing inflammation involving the deep and superficial neck spaces. Note the dirty fluid collection interspersed with gas bubbles. lateral to the left common carotid artery and behind the tattered stemoc1eidomastoid musc1e in the area of the internal jugular vein (arrows).
In addition to the vascular involvement. CT often spaces surrounded by it (6-10). Needless to say. a
helped us recognize other c1inically significant com- comprehensive understanding of their anatomy is
plications of cervica1 infections. These were two cases crucia1 to evaluate CT and the clinical status of pa-
ofmediastinal involvement (Case 4 and 11) (Fig. 3c). tients with deep neck infection.
two cases of airway encroachment (Case 3 and 5). 와ld The anatomic details of the deep cervica1 fascia are
five cases of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (Case too complex to be dealt with in this context precise-
1,2 .5.7 and 9) (Fig. 2). ly. In short. the cervica1 fascia consists of a superficia1
fascia and a deep fascia. The superficia1 fascia is a fat
ty layer of subcutaneous tissue enclosing the
Discussion platysma musc1e. Superiorly it extends to enc10se the
superficial voluntary musc1es of the face and scalp.
Since the advent of antibiotics. the incidence of and inferiorly it extends to be continuous with the
deep neck infections have dec1ined continuously. but superficial fascia of the throax and axilla. The deep
even now they sometimes make trouble for a physi- fascia is divided into three layers. namely. superfici외.
cian in both diagnosis and treatment. Since the first middle. and deep. The superficiallayer of the deep
description by Tillaux in 1882. that the deep cervica1 fascia. also ca1led as the investing layer. attaches in-
fascia is made up of three layers (superficial. middle. feriorly to the sternum. c1avic1e and scapula. and
and deep). a lot of investigations have been made to crosses the midline anteriorly. encirc1ing the neck to
elucidate the anatomy of deep cervical fascia and attach to the spines ofthe cervica1 vertebrae posterior-
- 202-
Hyung Jin Kim. et al: Computed Tomography of Deep Neck Infections
ly. Anterosuperiorly. it attaches to the body of the
hyoid bone and further superiorly to the body of the
mandible. and further superoposteriorly to the
zygoma and the occiput. It envelopes two glands
(parotid and submandibular). two muscles (ster
nocleidomastoid and trapezius). and two spaces (the
suprastern외 space of Burns and the subvagina1 space
ofthe posterior triangle) on its way. and hence is best
remembereq by “ the rule oftwos". The middle layer
of the deep fascia. also called as the visceral or buc
copharyngeal layer. can be divided into two parts.
musc비ar and visceral. The muscular part attaches
inferiorly to the sternum. clavicle and scapula. and
superiorly to the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.
enclosing the strap muscles. The visceral part at
taches superiorly to the base of the skull on the
posterior aspect. and to the hyoid bone on the anterior
aspect. encircling the thyroid gland. trachea. and
esophagus. It fuses with the 외ar division of the deep
layer of the deep cervical fascia posteroinferiorly at
the level of Tl or T2. and forms the anterior boun
dary of the retropharyngeal (or posterior visceral)
space of the neck. The deep layer of the deep fascia
extends from the base of the skull superiorly to the
coccyx inferiorly . encompassing the preveπebral
muscles and the deep muscles of the posterior
triangle. and consists of two divisions. alar and
prevertebral. The alar division forms the posterior
boundary of the reσopharyngeal space 하ld fuses with
the middle layer at Tl or T21evel. The prevertebral
division forms the anterior boundary of the
prevertebral space containing the prevertebral
muscles and the phrenic nerve. The space between
the alar and prevertebral divisions is the so-called .
“ danger space". The carotid sheath is made up ofthe
above three layers of deep cervical fascia and extends
from the base of the skull superiorly down into the
chest.
The hyoid bone is the most important structure
in the neck which limits the spread ofinfection (11).
Neck spaces sharing both the suprahyoid and in
frahyoid neck inc1 ude the superficial.
retropharyngeal. prevertebral. and carotid spaces.
Spaces within the suprahyoid neck only include
parapharyngeal. sublingua l. submylohyoid.
masticator. temporal. parotid. and peritonsillar
spaces. Space within the infrahyoid neck only in
cludes anterior viscera1 space (10). In this series. the
level of infection was most frequent at the transhyoid
neck. seen in seven cases. longitudinally traversing
the hyoid bone through the retropharyngeal space
posteriorly. the superficial space anteriorly. or
through the carotid space.
1he sources of deep neck infections are. in roughly
speaking. dental infections in 30%. pharyngea1 infec
tions in 30%. and other minor conditions such as dermatologic problems. otitis. cervical adenitis. and
trauma in remaining 40% (10.12). which are very
similar to our cases. In addition. there were somewhat
common spaces involved according to the etiologic
events. In this series. three patients with the lower
third molar infections had a lesion in the sub
!TIylohyoid space unanimously (Fig. 1. Fig. 2). all of