Diagnostic efficacy of multi-detector computed tomography in delineation of neck masses

Abstract

Background: MDCT with its speed, use of thinner collimation, multiplanar reformation technology and easy availability makes it the diagnostic modality of choice.Objectives: to assess the role of MDCT in detection, characterization and extension of neck masses. Method: 40 patients with suspected neck lesions were subjected to CECT in our institution and the images were analyzed on plain scan and after the administration of non- ionic intravenous contrast agent. The lesions were studied with respect to enhancement pattern, local invasion, bony involvement and vascular invasion.Results: There were 15 malignant lesions and 25 benign lesions in our study. The imaging diagnosis of malignant and benign lesions was confirmed on histopathology. We had one false negative where one case of mandibular osteosarcoma was wrongly interpreted as osteomyelitis. MDCT had an overall accuracy of 97.5%. Conclusion: MDCT can be a very valuable tool in localizing and characterizing the neck lesions and it is the diagnostic modality of choice. It can aid in the diagnosis of neck lesions at the earliest and help in determining the accurate modality of treatment.