CT and MR Imaging Appearance of the Pedicled Submandibular Gland Flap: A Potential Imaging Pitfall in the Posttreatment Head and Neck

Zander, D.A.; Gursahaney, D.L.; Oliver, C.; Callen, A.L.; Potigailo, V.L.

CT and MR Imaging Appearance of the Pedicled Submandibular Gland Flap: A Potential Imaging Pitfall in the Posttreatment Head and Neck

Document detail

ID

oai:pubmedcentral.nih.gov:1008...

Topic

Head & Neck

Author

Zander, D.A. Gursahaney, D.L. Oliver, C. Callen, A.L. Potigailo, V.L.

Langue

Editor

American Society of Neuroradiology

Year

2023

listing date

6/10/2024

Keywords

tumor imaging neck head gland

Metrics

Abstract

Pedicled locoregional submandibular gland reconstruction flaps are increasingly used in oncologic head and neck surgery and have unique imaging characteristics that can mimic locally recurrent tumor.

In this clinical report, 23 posttreatment imaging studies were evaluated in 19 patients who had undergone submandibular gland flap reconstructions after resection of a primary head and neck tumor.

Submandibular gland flaps were most commonly mobilized into the parapharyngeal space or parotid bed, with others located inferior to the mandibular body and within marginal mandibulectomy defects.

The original shape of the gland was typically not preserved.

Identifying the submandibular gland hilum, vascular pedicle, glandular texture, and absence of submandibular gland in the orthotopic location was most useful in recognizing a flap.

The interpreting radiologist must be familiar with the unique submandibular gland flap imaging characteristics to accurately differentiate normal postoperative appearance and recurrent tumor.

Zander, D.A.,Gursahaney, D.L.,Oliver, C.,Callen, A.L.,Potigailo, V.L., 2023, CT and MR Imaging Appearance of the Pedicled Submandibular Gland Flap: A Potential Imaging Pitfall in the Posttreatment Head and Neck, American Society of Neuroradiology