الفهرس 
Normal Anatomy of the NeckOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The neck is considered a very important part of the human body; pediatric
neck masses compromise a major group of lesions that has long been a
challenge to both clinicians and radiologists.
Many imaging modalities are used for evaluation of neck masses in infants
and children. The challenge is to provide information that cannot be
ascertained by the referring physician at physical examination.
The choice of the imaging modality is based on a number of factors, several
of which are unique to the pediatric population.
Ultrasonography of the head and neck is certainly, not a new technology nor
is it a new innovation. What is new, however, is the high-quality ultrasound
imaging that can be introduced as an effective diagnostic clinical tool which
provides information that can directly alter outcome.
Much valuable information can be provided by US that help to reach a final
diagnosis, narrow the differential diagnosis or guide for further appropriate
investigations.
Ultrasonography is low cost, easily accessible and can readily evaluate
structural abnormalities. Gray-scale sonography coupled with color Doppler
flow imaging and spectral analysis displays the internal vascularity of the
lesions; provide a valuable tool in differentiating vascular anomalies as well
as benign from malignant adenopathies.
Our study has high-lightened the value of data provided by US as well as the
limitations of the technique. In lesions that were too large to be completely
imaged within the ultrasound field of view available or whenever malignancy
is suspected, computed radiography or magnetic resonance imaging may
represent further imaging modality before surgical removal. Scintigraphy is
reserved for evaluation of midline masses, which are thought to be due to
ectopic thyroid, to determine preoperatively if the mass is the patient’s only
functioning thyroid tissue.
Although ultrasonography does not explore the deep structures, is operator
dependent, and does not provide the clinician with reference images.
Nevertheless, it remains an excellent tool for evaluating the pediatric neck
and for providing guidance for further management and therapy.