Review
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World J Radiol. Jun 28, 2010; 2(6): 224-229
Published online Jun 28, 2010. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v2.i6.224
Different imaging techniques in the head and neck: Assets and drawbacks
Thomas J Vogl, Marc Harth, Petra Siebenhandl
Thomas J Vogl, Marc Harth, Petra Siebenhandl, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic of Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Author contributions: Vogl TJ and Siebenhandl P contributed equally to this article; Harth M assisted in preparing the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Thomas J Vogl, Professor, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic of Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany. t.vogl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Telephone: +49-69-63017277 Fax: +49-69-63017258
Received: March 27, 2010
Revised: May 15, 2010
Accepted: May 22, 2010
Published online: June 28, 2010
Abstract

In this review, the gold standard imaging techniques for the head and neck and the latest upcoming techniques are presented, by comparing computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography-CT, as well as ultrasound, depending on the examined area. The advantages and disadvantages of each examination protocol are presented. This article illustrates the connection between the imaging technique and the examined area. Therefore, the head and neck area is divided into different sections such as bony structures, nervous system, mucous membranes and squamous epithelium, glandular tissue, and lymphatic tissue and vessels. Finally, the latest techniques in the field of head and neck imaging such as multidetector CT, dual-energy CT, flash CT, magnetic resonance angiography, spectroscopy, and diffusion tensor tractography using 3 tesla magnetic resonance are discussed.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, Computed tomography, Positron emission tomography, Head and neck, Tumors, Bones