RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 CT and MR Imaging Appearance of the Pedicled Submandibular Gland Flap: A Potential Imaging Pitfall in the Posttreatment Head and Neck
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A7825
A1 D.A. Zander
A1 D.L. Gursahaney
A1 C. Oliver
A1 A.L. Callen
A1 V.L. Potigailo
YR 2023
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/early/2023/03/16/ajnr.A7825.abstract
AB SUMMARY: 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.SCCsquamous cell carcinomaSMGsubmandibular gland