Inflammatory Phlegmon

Findings:

Poorly defined infiltrative enhancement extends along the deep left neck intramuscular and fascial planes. Several tiny foci of fluid attenuation are present in these regions. Overlying skin thickening and subcutaneous induration is present.

Discussion/Differential Diagnosis:

THe differential diagnosis for this process includes infection and infiltrative malignancy. The presence of overlying hazy soft tissue induration and skin thickening raises a higher likelihood of infection, as would clinical features. Drainable abscess collections typically have a more well defined enhancing wall. Without a well defined wall, the components of phlegmon and potentially drainable fluid are difficult to differentiate.

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