Radiology Key

Neck Masses NASOPHARYNGEAL MASSES KEY FACTS Most common tumors: squamous cell carcinoma (>80%), adenocarcinoma, minor salivary gland tumors, and lymphoma. It is not clear if tobacco and alcohol use are…

Orbits: Orbital Pathology PERSISTENT HYPERPLASTIC PRIMARY VITREOUS KEY FACTS Refers to a persistent, hyperplastic, embryonic hyaloid vascular system; patients may also have seizures, hearing loss, mental deficiencies, and cataracts. Persistent…

Temporal Bone TEMPORAL BONE FRACTURES KEY FACTS Longitudinal type Most common (70% to 80%) type of temporal bone fractures; results from blows to the temporo-parietal region. Results in conductive hearing…

Sinonasal Cavities CHOANAL NARROWING KEY FACTS Can be of two types: stenosis and atresia (note: severe stenosis behaves clinically like atresia), further subdivided into bony or soft tissue (plugs); for…

Tumors and Tumorlike Conditions ▪ VERTEBRAL METASTASES KEY FACTS Vertebral metastases occur in 5% to 10% of all cancer patients, especially those with primary tumors in the breast, prostate, uterus,…

Trauma OCCIPITOATLANTO SEPARATION KEY FACTS Commonly a fatal injury caused by rupture of craniocervical ligaments (tectorial membrane, cruciate, apical, and alar ligaments) due to rapid deceleration with hyperflexion or hyperextension…

Degenerative Disease ANNULAR FISSURES KEY FACTS Most are found in the lumbar spine of middle-aged and older adults but may occur at any age. They are seen as small areas…

Congenital Malformations AQUEDUCTAL STENOSIS KEY FACTS Accounts for 20% of all hydrocephalus cases; generally presents in infancy but may manifest at any time. This spectrum of disorders includes congenital narrowing…

Infections and Inflammations MENINGITIS (UNCOMPLICATED) KEY FACTS Common causative organisms include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and streptococcus group B (newborns), Hemophilus (H. influenzae) (children <7 years), Neisseria (N. meningitides) (older…

Brachial Plexus TRAUMA: AVULSION AND STRETCH INJURIES KEY FACTS Nerve root avulsions are generally caused by traction injuries of the extremities (in the lower cervical spine, they are related to…