title: Classic signs in head and neck imaging.
abstract: Radiologists have long relied upon the use of metaphoric imaging signs to attribute meaning to disease or anatomy-specific imaging patterns encountered in clinical imaging. Teachers of radiology often employ the use of such signs to help learners rapidly identify the typical appearance of various pathologies. Head and neck (H&N) imaging is no exception, and as a specialty that deals with uncommon pathologies and complex anatomy, learners and practising radiologists alike may benefit from this simplistic, pattern-based approach. In this review, we present a compendium of classic imaging signs of H&N lesions, including signs related to traumatic, infectious, neoplastic, congenital, and inflammatory aetiologies found throughout the spectrum of H&N sites (temporal bones, orbits, paranasal sinuses, larynx, salivary glands, and neck soft tissues). Additionally, we identify potential pitfalls and detail critical clinical ramifications related to the rapid and accurate diagnosis of these pathologies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 550 North University Blvd, Rm 0663, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2140, USA. Electronic address: nakoontz@iupui.edu.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Koontz
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 550 North University Blvd, Rm 0663, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Seltman
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 550 North University Blvd, Rm 0663, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Kralik
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 550 North University Blvd, Rm 0663, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Mosier
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 30 North 1900 East #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2140, USA.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Harnsberger
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*