[Inflammatory diseases of the pharynx. The imaging findings and diagnostic strategy].
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate imaging findings in inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and possible complications.


METHODS
Radiologic imaging of the pharynx is based on the use of conventional X-ray films, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, plain and contrast enhanced.


RESULTS
The advantages of cross sectional imaging techniques like CT and MRT lie in the possibility to diagnose submucosal disease and localized as well as general complications. Most frequently abscesses and phlegmonous diseases have to be diagnosed. CT proves advantageous due to its fast imaging protocol and the widely availability. MRI is superior due to its superior soft tissue contrast and the multiplanar imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
Spiral-CT and MRI mean valuable diagnostic tools for the evaluation of inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and possible complications.
Vogl
T J
TJ
Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. T.Vogl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Mack
M G
MG
Balzer
J
J
Diebold
T
T
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*