E1256. Case-Based Review of the Submandibular and Sublingual Spaces
Authors
Sara Azeem;
Morristown Medical Center
Benjamin Cohen;
Overlook Medical Center
Roshni Patel;
Overlook Medical Center
Background
A variety of pathologic processes may involve the submandibular and sublingual spaces. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help aid in evaluation of the different pathologies. Thus, knowledge of the anatomy, clinical background, and key imaging features of common pathologies in the submandibular and sublingual space is necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Review sublingual and submandibular spaces anatomy. Utilize a case-based approach to review common pathologic processes involving the sublingual and submandibular spaces. Identify key findings for the diagnosis or exclusion of common pathologies in the sublingual and submandibular spaces on MRI, US, and CT.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Review anatomy of submandibular and subglandular spaces (aplasia/hypoplasia of salivary glands, dermoid and epidermoid cysts, ranula, abscess/cellulitis, ludwig angina, sialadenitis/sialolithiasis, veno-lymphatic malformation, arterio-venous malformation, lipoma, pleomorphic adenoma, nerve sheath tumors, squamous cell carcinoma).
Conclusion
Imaging is an important tool in the evaluation of submandibular and sublingual spaces. There are key findings that the trained radiologist should recognize, thereby allowing confident diagnosis on the basis of imaging findings alone or narrowing differential diagnoses.
