Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the imaging of choice and the most commonly used investigation in head and neck lesions, because of its fast and readily available nature. Our study focused on contrast enhanced multidetector CT profile of neck masses in determining their nature among different demographic profile. It provides volumetric helical data, optimal multiplanar and 3D reconstructions. METHODS This is a retrospective observational study carried out in the Department of Radiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, among 60 cases of clinically diagnosed neck masses, from December 2011 to June 2013. All patients were selected from out-patient departments (OPD) and indoor wards of various departments (mostly from ENT department). Few cases were also taken from Dr. B. Baruah Cancer Institute. Patients from both sexes and all ages were included as part of the study. Chi square test/Fischer exact test have been used to find the significance of association of CT scan findings with the final diagnosis. Diagnostic statistics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy have been used to find the correlation of CT scan with the final diagnosis. RESULTS Thin slice scanning with thinner reconstructions, maximum intensity production (MIP), shaded surface display (SSD), multiplanar reformation (MPR) and curved reformatted images are the advantages of MDCT. CT has 100 % accuracy in bony involvement detection and 96 % accuracy in neck lesion diagnosis. Therefore, CT can accurately localise and characterise the neck lesions. CONCLUSIONS The neck lesion location and its characteristics determination has significantly improved because of computed tomography. Bone erosions and expansion are accurately determined by a CT scan. CT scan can accurately delineate the disease that provides a definite pre-operative diagnosis, planning radiotherapy ports and post therapy follow up. KEYWORDS Bone Invasion, Lymph Nodes, Neck Space Extensions, Multidetector-CT
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
