The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for superficial fascial space infections.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the value of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in the treatment of superficial acute odontogenic fascial space infections.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 50 patients in whom both radiographic and sonographic examinations, as well as a needle aspiration, were performed.


RESULTS
Purulent fluid was aspirated in 22 of the 50 patients. Six patients diagnosed as suffering from cellulitis had a repeated ultrasonography scan. In four, abscess formation was diagnosed on the third day.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography is an effective diagnostic tool to confirm abscess formation in the superficial fascial spaces and is highly predictable in detecting the stage of infection.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
M
M
Peleg
Z
Z
Heyman
L
L
Ardekian
S
S
Taicher
D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D000208:Acute Disease; D005205:Fascia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013492:Suppuration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography