Comparative evaluation of ultrasonography and mri in detection of odontogenic fascial space infections: A prospective study

Odontogenic infections, if not properly controlled, can spread to adjacent head and neck fascial spaces. However, because of the complicated anatomic structure of the head and neck, fascial space infections are often-difficult to be determined by clinical examinations. The aim of the present study was to investigate ultrasonographic characteristics of fascial space infections and to correlate ultrasonography (USG) findings with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To assess the role of USG and MRI in diagnosing superficial and deep fascial space infections.

Total of 15 subjects clinically diagnosed with space infections secondary to the odontogenic cause were included in this potential study. The fascial space involvements were examined with USG and MRI.

A total of 31 fascial space infections were clinically identified in the subjects, comprising 24 superficial (77.41%) and 7 deep spaces (22.58%), whereas, ultrasonography successfully identified 30 involved fascial spaces, with 28 superficial (93.33%) and 2 deep spaces (6.66%). USG, staging for odontogenic fascial space infections revealed 2 edematous changes, 15 cellulitis, and 13 abscesses.

Ultrasonography could be reflected to be an inexpensive, non-invasive technique in detecting the spread of odontogenic infections to the superficial fascial-spaces.