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Updated: May 10, 2026

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Extracranial head and neck infections.

Denise Jaworsky¹, Steven Reynolds, Anthony W Chow

¹Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 10th Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada.

Critical Care Clinics

|July 9, 2013

Summary

This article details head and neck infections, including sinus and mediastinal infections. Understanding the anatomy and pathophysiology guides effective therapeutic strategies for these deep neck space infections.

Keywords:

Danger space infection Lateral pharyngeal space infection Ludwig angina Mediastinitis Prevertebral space infection Retropharyngeal space infection Sinusitis Submandibular space infection

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Head and Neck Surgery
Infectious Diseases

Background:

Deep neck space infections are serious conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
Understanding the complex anatomy of the head and neck is crucial for effective treatment.
Infections can spread from superficial sites like the sinuses to deep compartments and the mediastinum.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive overview of infections in specific deep neck spaces.
To elucidate the anatomical and pathophysiological basis of these infections.
To guide the selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

Review of anatomical structures of the head and neck.
Discussion of infectious processes and their spread.
Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations.
Outline of current therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

Detailed description of infections in the submandibular, lateral pharyngeal, retropharyngeal, danger, and prevertebral spaces.
Explanation of the contiguous spread from sinus infections to deep neck spaces and the mediastinum.
Emphasis on the importance of anatomical knowledge in understanding infection pathways.

Conclusions:

A thorough understanding of head and neck anatomy and pathophysiology is essential for managing deep neck space infections.
Accurate diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention are critical for favorable patient outcomes.
This knowledge empowers clinicians to select optimal treatment strategies for complex infections.