State of the Art Evaluation of the Head and Neck

Edited by Dr. Ashok Srinivasan, this issue of Neuroimaging Clinics of North America focuses on the latest advancements in the evaluation of the head and neck. The collection includes articles on various topics such as:

1. Diffusion MR in the head and neck: Principles and applications – This article delves into the principles and applications of diffusion MR in the head and neck region, providing insights into its diagnostic capabilities.
2. Perfusion imaging in the head and neck: Go with the flow – This piece explores the role of perfusion imaging in the head and neck, highlighting its importance in assessing blood flow and its implications for diagnosis and treatment.
3. MR spectroscopy of the head and neck: Principles, applications and challenges – This article discusses the principles, applications, and challenges of MR spectroscopy in the head and neck, shedding light on its potential in identifying metabolic changes.
4. Technological improvements in head and neck MR: At the cutting edge – This contribution reviews the latest technological advancements in head and neck MR imaging, showcasing how these improvements are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
5. Dual Energy CT in head and neck imaging: Pushing the envelope – This article examines the role of dual energy CT in head and neck imaging, emphasizing its benefits in terms of image quality and diagnostic precision.
6. Role of Ultrasound in head and neck evaluation – This piece highlights the importance of ultrasound in the evaluation of the head and neck, discussing its advantages and limitations in comparison to other imaging modalities.
7. PET imaging in the head and neck: Current state and future directions – This article provides an overview of the current state of PET imaging in the head and neck, as well as its future directions, including potential applications and advancements.
8. Patient centric head and neck cancer radiation therapy: Role of advanced imaging – This contribution discusses the role of advanced imaging in patient-centric head and neck cancer radiation therapy, focusing on how imaging can improve treatment planning and outcomes.
9. AI in head and neck imaging: Glimpse into the future – This article explores the potential of artificial intelligence in head and neck imaging, outlining how AI can enhance image interpretation, automate tasks, and improve patient care.
10. NIRADS: Principles and implementation – This piece explains the principles and implementation of NIRADS, a standardized system for reporting neck imaging findings, and discusses its impact on clinical practice.
11. Common data elements in head and neck reporting – This article emphasizes the importance of common data elements in head and neck reporting, highlighting how standardized reporting can facilitate research, improve patient care, and enhance communication among healthcare providers.

This comprehensive collection offers healthcare professionals and researchers a valuable resource for staying updated on the latest trends and advancements in head and neck imaging. By exploring these topics, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of various imaging modalities, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of head and neck imaging.