Abstract
Forced exhalation against a closed glottis, known as the Valsalva maneuver, is an important clinical diagnostic and therapeutic tool due to its physiologic effects. Several unique conditions and anatomic changes can occur with repetitive or acute changes in pressure from the Valsalva maneuver. We will discuss and review various pertinent head and neck imaging cases with findings resulting from induced pressure gradients, including the Valsalva maneuver. Additionally, we will demonstrate the diagnostic utility of the Valsalva maneuver in head and neck radiology.
Highlights
SUMMARY: Forced exhalation against a closed glottis, known as the Valsalva maneuver, is an important clinical diagnostic and therapeutic tool due to its physiologic effects
It is possible that transient global amnesia occurs due to retrograde flow in the internal jugular vein induced by the Valsalva maneuver, leading to temporary cerebral venous congestion
The unique physiologic changes that occur from the Valsalva maneuver can result in a variety of head and neck abnormalities with characteristic imaging findings
Summary
SUMMARY: Forced exhalation against a closed glottis, known as the Valsalva maneuver, is an important clinical diagnostic and therapeutic tool due to its physiologic effects. While the complex effects of the Valsalva maneuver have multiple clinical applications, the increase in intrathoracic pressure, decreased systemic venous return, and opening of the Eustachian tube are relevant to the following discussion (Table 1). A wide spectrum of head and neck imaging findings has been attributed to the Valsalva maneuver or other similar induced-pressure gradients.
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