Embedded Files
PAGE 1
Diagnostic imaging plays a major role in both diagnosis and treatment planning for inflammatory, infectious, vascular, and neoplastic processes in the head and neck. Cross-sectional imaging has become the integral part in the evaluation of patients with head and neck disorders. As technology has evolved, the imaging modalities available, as well as the way they are employed, have evolved as well. This Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America issue strives to describe the current state of imaging in the head and neck, covering both imaging techniques and specific pathologies. We chose to divide this issue based on the fascial spaces of the neck. This necessitates some overlap between articles as many of the pathologies discussed can occur in more than one fascial space or may extend from one space to another. These fascial planes provide important barriers and anatomic knowledge of the tissues involved is integral to treatment planning. Beyond anatomic overviews of head and neck spaces, evaluation of lymph nodes and applications of the various interventional procedures for neck lesions are discussed. Our hope is that experienced practicing head and neck surgeons and otolaryngology residents can all benefit from this concise yet comprehensive, image-rich review of imaging of neck spaces. The newer imaging modalities discussed in these articles hint at a future that will improve on or replace techniques currently existing for otolaryngologists. This makes close cooperation and knowledge sharing between otolaryngologists and radiologists key to continued optimal care of our shared patients. We thank all the authors for their excellent contributions that make this issue an outstanding and comprehensive review on “Imaging of the head and neck for diagnosis and treatment.” We wish to thank the departments of radiology, otolaryngology, and oncology at both Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Vanderbilt University. We also wish to thank Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America manager, Joanne Husovski, and the staff at Elsevier for their assistance. Finally, we thank our families for their overwhelming support.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery is the medical and surgical specialty addressing disorders of the head and neck in both adult and pediatric populations. The anatomy and physiologic functions of this region are diverse and require knowledge of all aspects of medicine. They also require understanding of surgical techniques that include microscopic-minimally invasive procedures, in addition to the performance of large resections, while predicting the aftermath required for reconstruction. The goal of the encyclopedia is to serve as a single and comprehensive source of all the information that is requisite to all health care practitioners and students of the specialty. The vast amount of information included in the encyclopedia is divided into 5 volumes across otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery, in line with the subspecialties of general otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, pediatric otolaryngology, otology-neurotology and facial plastics and reconstructive surgery. All section editors are internationally recognized otolaryngologists with experience in publishing. They are experts and leaders in their respective fields, with advanced knowledge of all scientific and clinical issues currently discussed in the literature. Each section editor in turn recruited experienced authors from all over the world who contributed to structured topics and all entries are supported by published references. Thus, all information included in the encyclopedia is from credible sources and was carefully screened for accuracy. The strength of the encyclopedia is its online availability and quick search features for definitions and more in-depth information. Key words are hyperlinked to provide a getaway to numerous referenced manuscripts, journals and books until all information on the queried subject is exhausted. February 2013 Stilianos E. Kountakis, MD Editor-in-Chief
Report abuse