J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Dec;33(6):853-860.

Odontogenic Versus Nonodontogenic Deep Neck Space Infections: CT Manifestations

• Kim JH
• Kim HJ
• Chung SH
• Kim JH
• Park ED
• Hwang EG

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate computed tomographic (CT) findings of deep neck space infection(DNSI) with particular attention to the differences in the spaces involved and in complications between odontogenic and nonodontogenic groups.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty-four patients(21 odontogenic and 23 nonodontogenic) were included in this study. Among odontogenic DNSls, 15 had the dental infection in the second or third mandibular molar. We compared the CT features between odontogenic and nonodontogenic DNSIs with special emphasis on the differences in the spaces involved and in the rate and type of complications.
RESULTS
In all patients, CT clearly differentiated abscess from cellulitis. The most common spaces involved in 21 patients with odontogenic DNSl were the parapharyngeal(n=18), the submandibular(n=18), the anterior visceral(n=13), the masticator(n=9), and the sublingual(n=7) spaces. In contrast, in 23 patients with nonodontogenic DNSI, the anterior visceral space(n=14) was most frequently involved. The parapharyngeal, the submandibular, and the masticator spaces were statistically more frequently involved in odontogenic than in nonodontogenic DNSI(p<.05). Twenty-two patients had one or more complications shown by CT, of which airway compromise was more frequent and severe in odontogenicthan in nonodontogenic DNSI.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that the parapharyngeal, the submandibular, and the masticator spaces are more significantly vulnerable in odontogenic DNSl than in nonodontogenic DNSl. The predilection for certain spaces of the neck in odontogenic DNSl seems to originate from the intimate relationship of the mandibular molars to the adjacent deep neck spaces.

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Cellulitis
Humans
Molar
Neck*