Extracalvarial soft tissues in cranial computed tomography. Normal anatomy and pathology

Computed tomography has emerged as the modality of choice for imaging soft tissues of the face and neck. However, the extracalvarial soft tissue anatomy has not been delineated. The CT appearance of normal anatomy and variants, including the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, muscle layers, and subgaleal space is described. A pathologic spectrum that includes congenital, inflammatory, traumatic, and neoplastic lesions is presented. When appropriate CT windows for viewing the extracalvarial soft tissues are utilized, significant clinical information may be provided.