[Imaging evaluation of head and neck infections]

Infections of the head and neck are frequent and usually have a good prognosis even though complications may sometimes be life threatening. In addition to airway compromise, intracranial and thoracic extension may occur. Diagnosis usually is made on clinical examination and imaging may play a significant role in assessing the extent of the disease, detecting complications and assist in surgical planning. The imaging protocol should be appropriate for the proposed diagnosis and suspected complications. CT of the soft tissues of the neck and chest is the imaging test of choice. Interpretation requires knowledge of the anatomy to understand the modalities of local and distant spread of the disease. Imaging evaluation is important but should not delay emergently needed treatment for entities such as epiglottitis and necrotizing fasciitis.