Bela Satish Purohit MD, FRCR, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Pravin Mundada FRCR, MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric Ting FRANZCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Salil Babla Singbal MD, FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

  The purpose of this exhibit is: 1. To review the imaging anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) 2. To describe its important communications which serve as pathways for disease spread 3. To highlight key imaging findings in pathological involvement of PPF 4. To review a few cases of pathological conditions involving the PPF  

1. Imaging anatomy of the PPF (including diagrams and images)    Boundaries, contents, fissures and foramina 2. Important communications which act as pathways of disease spread (table) 3. Key imaging findings in pathological involvement of PPF 5. Case based pictorial review of few pathologies of PPF 6. Summary 7. Review of literature

The PPF is a small obscure fat filled space located in the deep face which contains the pterygopalatine ganglion, V2 and the Vidian nerve and branches from the distal segment of the maxillary artery. Its important communications to the masticator space, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oral cavity, orbit and middle cranial fossa make it an important neurovascular crossroad in the deep face. Being aware of its complex anatomy, communications and key imaging findings in pathological involvement helps to accurately detect disease spread from one space to another and thereby improves treatment planning.

Purohit, B, Mundada, P, Ting, E, Singbal, S, The Pterygopalatine Fossa: Imaging Anatomy, Communications and Pathology.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13021664.html