Inflammatory diseases of the pharynx. Radiologic imaging and diagnostic methods

Purpose. To demonstrate imaging findings in inflammatory diseases of the ph arynx and possible complications. Material and methods. Radiologic imaging of the pharynx is based on the use of conventional X-ray films, computed tomography and magnetic resonance im aging, plain and contrast enhanced. Results. The advantages of cross sectional imaging techniques like CT and M RT lie in the possibility to diagnose submucosal disease and localized as w ell as general complications. Most frequently abscesses and phlegmonous dis eases have to be diagnosed. CT proves advantageous due to its fast imaging protocol and the widely availability. MRI is superior due to its superior s oft tissue contrast and the multiplanar imaging. Conclusion. Spiral-CT and MRI mean valuable diagnostic tools for the evalua tion of inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and possible complications.