Related Experiment Videos
Tongue abscesses: MR imaging findings.
M Ozturk1, E Mavili, N Erdogan
1Department of Radiology, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, 38039-Kayseri, Turkey.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|June 16, 2006
Summary
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging reveals distinct features of tongue abscesses, aiding diagnosis when physical signs are absent. Key findings include signal intensity characteristics and contrast enhancement patterns on T1- and T2-weighted images.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Lingual abscess diagnosis is challenging without physical signs.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is a valuable adjunct for clinical examination.
- Literature lacks comprehensive MR imaging findings for tongue abscesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the MR imaging features of tongue abscesses.
- To characterize MR imaging findings for improved diagnosis.
- To correlate imaging findings with clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Seven surgically confirmed tongue abscesses were evaluated using MR imaging.
- Lesions were assessed for location, size, signal intensity, and contrast enhancement.
- MR imaging was performed for suspected tumor or to define lesion extent.
Main Results:
- Anterior tongue abscesses showed hypointense centers with hyperintense walls on T1-weighted images and marked wall enhancement post-contrast.
- T2-weighted images revealed hyperintense centers with hypointense rims, sometimes with a 'target sign'.
- Posterior tongue lesions appeared as ill-defined masses with variable enhancement patterns.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrates characteristic features of tongue abscesses, including signal intensity and enhancement patterns.
- Abscesses can appear as cystic lesions with enhancing capsules or solid masses with diffuse/peripheral enhancement.
- MR imaging aids in differentiating abscesses from other tongue pathologies.