Imaging of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas with emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging and a review of the literature

Abstract

We present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound appearances of three cases of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas, involving the orbit, parameningeal region (nasopharynx and nasal sinus), and trapezius muscle, anatomically. The histopathological subtypes included two embryonal and one alveolar. MRI is a superior imaging technique with its high contrast resolution of soft tissue tumors and multiplanar noninvasive capability. The literature on CT and MRI appearances of head and neck rhabdomyosarcomas is reviewed.