Imaging of the parapharyngeal space

Hilda E Stambuk; Snehal G Patel

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2007.10.012

Imaging of the parapharyngeal space

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2008 Feb;41(1):77-101, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2007.10.012.

Authors

Hilda E Stambuk¹, Snehal G Patel

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. stambukh@mskcc.org

PMID: 18261527
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2007.10.012

Abstract

The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a space in the suprahyoid neck that contains fat and is surrounded by several other spaces defined by the fascial layers of the neck. This article presents the spatial anatomy of the PPS and describes the displacement patterns of the PPS fat that are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of pathology arising in this region.

MeSH terms

Carotid Arteries / anatomy & histology
Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Diagnostic Imaging*
Fascia / anatomy & histology
Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
Humans
Hyoid Bone / anatomy & histology
Mandible / anatomy & histology
Masticatory Muscles / anatomy & histology
Muscular Diseases / diagnosis
Nasopharynx / anatomy & histology
Oropharynx / anatomy & histology
Parotid Diseases / diagnosis
Parotid Gland / anatomy & histology
Pharyngeal Diseases / diagnosis
Pharynx / anatomy & histology*
Skull Base / anatomy & histology