Imaging findings of vascular lesions in the head and neck

Abstract

Vascular lesions of the head and neck include vascular neoplasms, vascular malformations, and hypervascular lesions, derived from nonvascular soft-tissue elements. We retrospectively evaluated magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography images of vascular lesions located in the head and neck. Twelve patients (seven males, five females) aged 1-68 years (mean age, 35.25 years) were included in this study. Most of the vascular lesions in our study were histologically diagnosed. The lesions were as follows: a hemangioma located in the parotid space (n=1); a hemangioendothelioma located in the parotid space (n=1); a hemangiopericytoma located in the larynx (n=1); a juvenile angiofibroma located in the nasopharynx (n=1); a glomus tumor located in the carotid bifurcation (n=1); venous malformations located in the parapharyngeal space, the pterygoid area, the orbital space, and the larynx (n=4); lymphatic malformations located in the parotid space and the supraclavicular area (n=2); and an arteriovenous malformation located in the infratemporal fossa (n=1). We present rare vascular lesions of the head and neck, which have typical radiological findings.

Radiological review of skull lesions

“…The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification system divides vascular anomalies into two primary biological categories: vascular neoplasms and vascular malformations [ 13 – 15 ]. Vascular malformations include low-flow malformations (capillary, venous, and lymphatic), high-flow malformations (arterial malformation, arteriovenous malformation and arteriovenous fistula) and combined malformations (i.e.…”

Parotid Gland Lesions: Multiparametric Ultrasound and MRI Features

“…Die Magnetresonanztomografie zeigt in der Regel eine gut definierte Läsion mit einem gelappten Rand innerhalb der Parotis, die gewöhnlich besonders hyperdens in den T2-gewichteten Sequenzen und hypodens in den T1-gewichteten Sequenzen ist. Nach Gabe des Kontrastmittels kann man eine zentripetale Signalverstärkung wie in den Hämangiomen anderer Körperregionen beobachten [39].…”

“…Magnetic resonance imaging usually depicts a well-defined lesion with a lobulated margin within the parotid gland, usually markedly hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences and hypointense on T1-weighted sequences. After contrast media administration, progressive centripetal enhancement is observed as in hemangiomas in other body locations [39].…”

Unusual Finding in a Chronic Parotid Mass

“…9 On MR imaging, VMs typically demonstrate T2-weighted signal hyperintensity and intermediate T1-weighted signal. 1,3 Perilesional T2 hyperintensity may be present due to edema and venous congestion. 1,3 Postcontrast MR images classically demonstrate enlarged, tubular vascular channels that may or may not be associated with a soft tissue mass.…”

“…1,5,8 Since VMs are lowflow lesions, MR images should lack signal flow voids, while MR angiography and venography should demonstrate absent arterial and abundant venous flow, respectively. 1,3 Differential diagnosis for a vascular mass of the parotid gland comprise arteriovenous, venous and venolymphatic malformations, hemangiomas, and a large range of tumors such as cyst adenolymphoma and pleomorphic adenoma, among others. 8 Treatment options for parotid VMs include observation, elevation, compression, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical excision.…”