Pharyngeal retention cysts: radiographic findings in seven patients.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to better characterize the radiographic features of pharyngeal retention cysts on double-contrast pharyngograms.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharyngeal retention cysts typically involve the valleculae, appearing on double-contrast pharyngograms as small, round or ovoid, well-circumscribed, smooth-surfaced submucosal masses that are best visualized on frontal views of the pharynx. Such features should be highly suggestive of benign retention cysts, obviating further diagnostic workup in asymptomatic patients. When the cysts are lobulated or completely obliterate the valleculae, however, further evaluation by otolaryngologic examination may be required to rule out malignant tumor in the pharynx.
Woodfield
Courtney A
CA
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Levine
Marc S
MS
Rubesin
Stephen E
SE
Laufer
Igor
I
Mirza
Natasha
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies