Category Archives: Head and Neck Imaging

ENT Imaging
4
Feb

Overview

ENT imaging uses CT MRI and ultrasound depending on the clinical question. It evaluates sinus disease temporal bone pathology and tumors. Imaging guides surgical planning and intervention.

Temporal Bone

High resolution CT assesses ossicles cochlea and bony anatomy. MRI evaluates soft tissue and nerve related pathology. Combined imaging provides comprehensive assessment for hearing loss and infection.

Sinus Disease

CT characterizes sinus anatomy and inflammatory disease. Imaging assists in planning endoscopic sinus surgery. Radiologic reporting highlights anatomic variants and disease extent.

Neck Masses

Ultrasound and CT evaluate superficial neck masses and lymph nodes. MRI provides soft tissue contrast for deep lesions and perineural spread. Imaging guides biopsy and oncologic management.

Head and Neck Imaging
4
Feb

Overview

Head and neck imaging uses CT MRI and ultrasound depending on the indication. It evaluates tumors infections and trauma. Detailed anatomic imaging guides surgical planning.

Oncologic Imaging

Imaging stages head and neck cancers and assesses treatment response. PET CT is useful for metabolic assessment. MRI provides soft tissue detail for surgical planning.

Airway and Swallowing

Fluoroscopy and video swallow studies assess swallowing function. Imaging evaluates airway patency and structural abnormalities. Findings guide therapy and surgical decisions.

Vascular Considerations

CT angiography and MR angiography assess vascular lesions and fistulas. Vascular imaging is important in trauma and tumor planning. Endovascular options may be guided by imaging findings.

Skull AP
4
Feb

Overview

The AP skull radiograph evaluates cranial vault symmetry and gross osseous lesions. The patient is positioned upright or supine with the detector centered to the skull. This view is used for initial assessment in trauma and suspected skull pathology.

Technique

Center the detector to include the entire skull and ensure the orbitomeatal line is perpendicular to the detector for standard AP projection. Use appropriate exposure and immobilize the head to reduce motion. Collimate to the skull to minimize dose.

Clinical Indications

AP skull is indicated for trauma suspected fracture and evaluation of lytic or sclerotic lesions. CT is preferred for detailed assessment of skull fractures and intracranial injury. Radiographs may be used when CT is unavailable.

Image Assessment

Inspect cranial vault for fractures lytic lesions and calcifications. Evaluate sutures and skull base when visible. Recommend CT for detailed evaluation of suspected intracranial or complex skull pathology.

Skull Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

The lateral skull radiograph profiles the cranial vault and facial bones to assess fractures and soft tissue calcifications. The patient is positioned true lateral with the orbitomeatal line parallel to the detector. This view complements AP imaging for comprehensive skull assessment.

Technique

Position the head in true lateral and center the detector to include the entire skull from the frontal sinus to the occiput. Use appropriate exposure and immobilize the head to minimize motion. Collimate to the skull to reduce dose.

Clinical Indications

Lateral skull is indicated for trauma suspected fracture and evaluation of sinus disease or calcifications. CT is preferred for detailed assessment of fractures and intracranial pathology. Radiographs may be used for screening or when CT is not available.

Image Assessment

Evaluate cranial vault contour suture lines and paranasal sinus aeration. Inspect for depressed fractures and soft tissue emphysema. Recommend CT for definitive assessment of suspected intracranial injury.

Facial Bones Waters
4
Feb

Overview

The Waters projection images the maxillary sinuses orbits and zygomatic arches with the chin elevated. This view is useful for detecting orbital floor fractures and maxillary sinus disease. Proper head extension optimizes visualization of the facial skeleton.

Technique

Position the patient with the chin extended so the orbitomeatal line forms a 37 degree angle to the detector. Center the detector to the mid face and use appropriate exposure. Immobilize the head to reduce motion artifact.

Clinical Indications

Waters view is indicated for facial trauma suspected orbital floor fracture and sinus pathology. It complements lateral and Caldwell views for comprehensive facial assessment. CT is preferred for complex fractures and surgical planning.

Image Assessment

Assess the orbital floor maxillary sinus and zygomatic arch for fractures and fluid levels. Evaluate for orbital emphysema and foreign bodies. Report findings and recommend CT when detailed anatomic delineation is required.

Facial Bones Caldwell
4
Feb

Overview

The Caldwell projection images the frontal sinuses orbital rims and nasal bones with the forehead against the detector. The beam is angled caudally to project the petrous ridges below the orbits. This view complements Waters and lateral projections for facial trauma evaluation.

Technique

Position the patient with the forehead and nose against the detector and angle the tube approximately 15 degrees caudad. Center the detector to the mid face and use appropriate exposure. Immobilize the head to minimize motion.

Clinical Indications

Caldwell view is indicated for frontal sinus trauma suspected orbital rim fracture and nasal bone assessment. It aids in detecting sinus fluid levels and anterior table fractures. CT is preferred for complex facial fractures and surgical planning.

Image Assessment

Evaluate frontal sinus integrity orbital rim continuity and nasal bone alignment. Look for air fluid levels and displaced fractures. Recommend CT for definitive assessment when indicated.

TMJ Open Closed
4
Feb

Overview

TMJ open and closed mouth radiographs evaluate condylar translation and joint space changes. Paired views demonstrate dynamic motion and detect dislocation or degenerative change. Proper positioning ensures reproducible comparison between states.

Technique

Obtain closed mouth and open mouth projections with the detector centered to the TMJ and the patient in a true lateral or modified Towne position. Use appropriate exposure and instruct the patient on mouth opening degree. Immobilize the head to reduce motion.

Clinical Indications

TMJ open closed views are indicated for pain dysfunction and suspected dislocation. They help assess condylar translation and joint space narrowing. MRI is preferred for soft tissue and disc evaluation when indicated.

Image Assessment

Compare condylar position between open and closed views and assess for translation limitation. Evaluate joint space asymmetry and osseous degenerative changes. Report findings relevant to dental or surgical management.

Sinus Waters
4
Feb

Overview

The Waters projection images the maxillary sinuses and anterior ethmoid air cells with the chin elevated. It is useful for detecting sinusitis fluid levels and facial fractures. Proper head extension optimizes sinus visualization.

Technique

Position the patient with the chin extended so the orbitomeatal line forms a 37 degree angle to the detector. Center the detector to the maxillary sinuses and use appropriate exposure. Immobilize the head to reduce motion artifact.

Clinical Indications

Waters sinus view is indicated for sinusitis facial trauma and suspected maxillary sinus disease. It helps detect air fluid levels and mucosal thickening. CT is preferred for detailed sinus and orbital assessment when needed.

Image Assessment

Evaluate maxillary sinus aeration fluid levels and bony integrity. Inspect for orbital floor fractures and foreign bodies. Recommend CT for complex disease or surgical planning.

Nasal Bones AP Lateral
4
Feb

Overview

AP and lateral nasal bone radiographs assess nasal bone alignment and detect fractures. The AP view images the nasal bones en face while the lateral view profiles displacement. These views are used for initial trauma assessment when CT is not immediately available.

Technique

Obtain AP and lateral projections with the detector centered to the nasal bones and use appropriate exposure. Ensure minimal rotation and immobilize the head to reduce motion. Remove external nasal splints or dressings when safe to do so.

Clinical Indications

Nasal bone radiographs are indicated for trauma with suspected nasal fracture and deformity. They help detect displaced fractures and septal deviation. CT provides detailed assessment for complex facial trauma and surgical planning.

Image Assessment

Assess nasal bone continuity displacement and associated soft tissue swelling. Evaluate for septal hematoma and recommend ENT consultation when indicated. Document findings relevant to cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Temporomandibular Joint Panoramic
4
Feb

Overview

Panoramic TMJ projections provide bilateral overview of condylar position and joint space in a single acquisition. They are useful for screening degenerative change and gross asymmetry. Proper patient positioning ensures comparable bilateral images.

Technique

Use panoramic equipment with TMJ specific settings and instruct the patient to bite in centric occlusion. Center to the TMJ region and ensure head stabilization during rotation. Remove metallic objects that may cause artifacts.

Clinical Indications

Panoramic TMJ imaging is indicated for screening degenerative disease trauma and gross asymmetry. It complements dedicated TMJ open closed views and MRI for soft tissue evaluation. Use as part of dental and maxillofacial assessment.

Image Assessment

Compare condylar morphology joint space and symmetry between sides. Look for erosive change osteophytes and gross displacement. Recommend MRI for disc and soft tissue pathology when indicated.