Head and neck imaging: submandibular space infection: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Head and neck imaging: submandibular space infection

Sample item

A diabetic man with a decayed lower molar has a woody swelling beneath the jaw, a raised tongue and drooling. Contrast CT is requested to assess airway-threatening spread. Which spaces are involved?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bilateral submandibular and sublingual spaces

Ludwig angina is a rapidly spreading cellulitis of the bilateral submandibular and sublingual spaces from a lower molar infection. It elevates the tongue and threatens the airway. The retropharyngeal, parotid and masticator spaces are not the primary route here.

Option by option

  • A. Parotid space

    Parotid space infection causes swelling in front of the ear.

  • B. Bilateral submandibular and sublingual spaces (correct)

    Correct. Both submandibular and sublingual spaces are involved in Ludwig angina.

  • C. Retropharyngeal space

    Retropharyngeal infection causes neck stiffness and widened prevertebral tissue.

  • D. Masticator space

    Masticator space infection causes trismus and cheek swelling.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Bilateral submandibular and sublingual spaces. Ludwig angina is a rapidly spreading cellulitis of the bilateral submandibular and sublingual spaces from a lower molar infection.

Why is "Parotid space" not the answer?

Parotid space infection causes swelling in front of the ear.

Why is "Retropharyngeal space" not the answer?

Retropharyngeal infection causes neck stiffness and widened prevertebral tissue.

Why is "Masticator space" not the answer?

Masticator space infection causes trismus and cheek swelling.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck imaging: submandibular space infection in Radiology. It elevates the tongue and threatens the airway. The retropharyngeal, parotid and masticator spaces are not the primary route here.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck imaging: submandibular space infection?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.