Imaging of head and neck tumors – the role of CT perfusion

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this article is to describe the role of functional radiological imaging modality–CT perfusion in the evaluation of head and neck tumors. Methods: Perfusion CT imaging provides a rapid evaluation of tissue perfusion and can be easily implemented in every head and neck CT protocol. The determination of tissue perfusion using CT is based on examining the relationships between the arterial, tissue and potentially the venous enhancement after the introduction of a bolus of contrast material. The quantification of the perfusion values allows us to determinate the processes of neovascularization, also known as angiogenesis, essential for the growth of head and neck tumors. Conclusions: Perfusion CT is a robust, accessible and promising method for the assessment of functional parameters on the tissue level. It helps outlining the malignant tissue as well as differentiating recurrent disease from nonspecific post-therapeutic changes and can be used as a therapeutic monitoring tool during and after tumor therapy.