title: Multiplanar CT and MRI of collections in the retropharyngeal space: is it an abscess?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to describe a practical imaging approach to evaluating collections in the retropharyngeal space.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The differential diagnoses for fluid in the retropharyngeal space include both noninfectious and infectious processes. The multiplanar capabilities of CT and MRI are ideal for characterizing and delineating collections. In this pictorial essay, we describe the anatomy of the retropharyngeal space and offer a four-step approach to evaluating retropharyngeal collections on multiplanar imaging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808, Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, USA. jenny.hoang@duke.edu
authors.forename: Jenny K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Hoang
authors.forename: Barton F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Branstetter
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Eastwood
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Glastonbury
mesh_terms: D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media