Imaging of Head and Neck Tuberculosis: Lymph Nodes, Deep Neck Spaces, and Salivary Glands

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the head and neck accounts for approximately one-third of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. From the surgical perspective, cervical lymph nodes, deep neck spaces, and salivary glands may be covered by head and neck surgery, while the ear, nose, and throat are traditionally classified under otorhinolaryngology. In this chapter, we discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features, course and complications, imaging features, imaging differential diagnosis, diagnosis confirmation, and treatment of cervical lymph nodes, deep spaces of the neck, and salivary glands. Although the imaging of tuberculosis in the head and neck is non-specific, there are some imaging clues that may help suggest the diagnosis. Imaging of important diseases that must be differentiated from tuberculosis is also covered in this chapter.