Preview

The Scientific Notes of the Pavlov University

Advanced search

Differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal space formations by magnetic resonance imaging

https://doi.org/10.24884/1607-4181-2025-32-2-52-63

Abstract

The objective was to study possibilities of magnetic resonance imaging in the visualization of formations located in the parapharyngeal space or extending into the parapharyngeal space from adjacent areas.
Methods and materials. According to the Pavlov University data, during the follow-up period from 2015 to 2024, pathological changes in the parapharyngeal space were detected in 33 patients out of 462 examined patients with suspected formations of the lateral surface of the neck, thus, the incidence of these changes, according to our data, was 7.14 %. All examined patients underwent high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft tissues of the neck, with intravenous administration of a paramagnetic contrast agent. All the results were verified histologically.
Conclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to visualize the structures of the parapharyngeal space and adjacent spaces, reliably differentiate the location of formations (located in the parapharyngeal space or in the structure of adjacent spaces or extending from other spaces of the neck) and suggest the histological structure of formations at the preoperative stage, which will allow to develop a surgical intervention plan.

About the Authors

E. V. Bubnova
Pavlov University
Russian Federation

Bubnova Evgeniya V., Cand. of Sci. (Med), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Radiology and Radiation Medicine with Radiology and Radiology Unit

6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflict of interest.



N. V. Vishneva
Pavlov University
Russian Federation

Vishneva Natalia V., Cand. of Sci. (Med), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Surgical Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery

6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflict of interest.



A. A. Zubareva
Pavlov University
Russian Federation

Zubareva Anna A., Dr. of Sci. (Med), Professor, Professor of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with the Clinic

6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflict of interest.



O. V. Lukina
Pavlov University
Russian Federation

Lukina Olga V., Dr. of Sci. (Med), Associate Professor, Acting Head of the Department of Radiology and Radiation Medicine, Associate Professor of the Department of Radiology and Radiation Medicine, Head of the Scientific and Clinical Center for Radiation Diagnostics and Radiation Therapy

6-8, L’va Tolstogo str., Saint Petersburg, 197022


Competing Interests:

Authors declare no conflict of interest.



References

1. Osipyan E. O., Mudunov A. M. Computer and magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the local prevalence of tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx as the main factor in choosing treatment tactics (literature review) // Head and Neck Tumors. 2017;4:53–62. (In Russ.).

2. Jiang C., Wang W., Chen S., Liu Y. Management of Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Clinical Experience with a Large Sample and Review of the Literature // Current Oncology. 2023;30:1020–1031. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30010078.

3. Computed tomography of the neck: differential diagnostics of non-organ formations. M.: Vidar M Publishing House, 2005. 124 p., ill. (In Russ.).

4. Mashkova T. A., Stepanov I. V., Maltsev A. B. et al. Otorhinolaryngological symptoms of tumors of the pharyngeal process of the parotid salivary gland (a clinical case with a literature review) // Bulletin of Otolaryngology. 2022;87(6):61–66. (In Russ.).

5. Podvyaznikov S. O. Nonepithelial tumors of the head and neck // Tumors of the head and neck. 2011;1:6–14. (In Russ.).

6. Vyrupaev S. V. Physician’s tactics for parapharyngeal tumors // Bulletin of otolaryngology. 2005;4:33–34. (In Russ.).

7. Suleimanov A. M., Ubaydullaev M. B., Agaydarova G. M. A rare case of parapharyngeal tumor of the parotid salivary gland // Medical Bulletin of Bashkortostan. 2020;15(6):117– 119. (In Russ.).

8. Svetitsky P. V., Engibaryan M. A., Gusareva M. A., Donskaya A. K. Pleomorphic adenomas of the pharyngeal process of the parotid salivary gland // Head and neck. 2014;3:25–29. (In Russ.).

9. Anmolsingh R., Stobbs N., Izzat M. et al. An Unusual Presentation of a Primary Parapharyngeal Space Warthins Tumour // Journal of Surgery: Open Access. 2017;3(2):1–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.16966/2470-0991.146.

10. Singhal P., Mehta R., Agrawal S. et al. Parapharygeal Space Tumours - Surgical Approach and Role of Tumour Markers // International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. 2014;3:42–45.

11. Mala K. G., Kumar A., Patil R. K., Haravi R. M. Mammoth Parapharyngeal Space Tumor - A Case Report // International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research. 2025;10(1):54–56.

12. Ferrari M., Schreiber A., Mattavelli D. et al. Surgical anatomy of the parapharyngeal space: A multiperspective, quantification-based study // Head and Neck. 2018;1:1–14.

13. Aslanova E. Ch., Drobyshev A. Yu., Mudunov A. M. Features of the choice of surgical approaches in the treatment of patients with widespread tumors of the parotid salivary gland of parapharyngeal localization // Dentistry for everyone. 2013;2:14–17. (In Russ.).

14. López F., Suárez C., Vander Poorten V. et al. Contemporary management of primary parapharyngeal space tumors // Head & Neck. 2018;1–14. http://doi.org/10.1002/hed.25439.

15. Aslanova E. Ch., Drobyshev A. Yu., Mudunov A. M. The role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of tumors of the parotid salivary gland of parapharyngeal localization // Russian journal of oncology. 2013;4:12–16. (In Russ.).

16. Shkarubo A. N., Gizatullin Sh. Kh., Chernov V. E., et al. Transoral removal of a giant lipoma of the parapharyngeal space with extension to the C1-C4 vertebrae // Neurosurgery. 2020;22(2):67–71. (In Russ.). http://doi.org/10.17650/1683-3295-2020-22-2-67-71.


Review

For citations:


Bubnova E.V., Vishneva N.V., Zubareva A.A., Lukina O.V. Differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal space formations by magnetic resonance imaging. The Scientific Notes of the Pavlov University. 2025;32(2):52-63. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/1607-4181-2025-32-2-52-63

Views: 6


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.


ISSN 1607-4181 (Print)
ISSN 2541-8807 (Online)