Checklist: Neck computed tomography in non-traumatic emergencies.

Patients attending the emergency department (ED) with cervical inflammatory/infectious symptoms or presenting masses that may involve the aerodigestive tract or vascular structures require a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck. Its radiological interpretation is hampered by the anatomical complexity and pathophysiological interrelationship between the different component systems in a relatively small area. Recent studies propose a systematic evaluation of the cervical structures, using a 7-item checklist, to correctly identify the pathology and detect incidental findings that may interfere with patient management. As a conclusion, the aim of this paper is to review CT findings in non-traumatic pathology of the neck in the ED, highlighting the importance of a systematic approach in its interpretation and synthesis of a structured, complete, and concise radiological report.

Cervical spine trauma.

Cervical spine trauma encompasses a wide of injuries, ranging from stable, minor lesions to unstable, complex lesions that can lead to neurologic sequelae or vascular involvement. The Canadian C-Spine Rule and the NEXUS criteria aim to identify individuals with a low risk of cervical spine trauma who can safely forgo imaging tests. In high-risk patients, an imaging test is indicated. In adult patients the imaging test of choice is multidetector computed tomography. Complementary imaging tests such as CT angiography of the supra-aortic vessels and/or magnetic resonance imaging are occasionally necessary. It can be challenging for radiologists to diagnose and classify these lesions, because some of them can be subtle and difficult to detect. This paper aims to describe the most important imaging findings and the most widely used classification systems.