Primary lingual abscess presenting as acute swelling of the tongue obstructing the upper airway: diagnosis with MR

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1998 Mar;19(3):496-8.

Abstract

We report the sudden development of an inflammatory process thought to be of the floor of the mouth with subsequent involvement of the respiratory airway. MR imaging showed an enhancing posterior lingual lesion, consistent with an abscess. Immediate surgical drainage relieved the symptoms. MR imaging allowed accurate diagnosis, which was essential for surgical planning in a condition that was otherwise difficult to diagnose.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications*
  • Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Abscess / surgery
  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Edema / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tongue Diseases / complications*
  • Tongue Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tongue Diseases / surgery