Imaging of Neck Spaces

Anatomy plays an important role in head and neck imaging. The neck is divided into various spaces defined by the layers of the deep cervical fascia. Neck spaces are broadly divided into suprahyoid and infrahyoid compartments, with some spaces spanning both levels. Each neck space has unique anatomic contents with predictable set of disease processes. Localization of lesions to the correct neck space helps in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis. Once a lesion is accurately localized to the correct space, the imaging features and clinical information are used to provide a clinically useful imaging differential diagnosis. CT and MRI play complimentary roles in imaging of the neck. CT is useful for skull base/vertebral involvement and MRI is helpful to asses intracranial or intraspinal involvement. CT is the modality of choice in acute infections, stones, trauma and osseous disease processes.