Which neck spaces are involved in the process?
There is an inflammatory fluid collection in the left submandibular and masticator spaces.
With this spread, can you identify the likely source?
A dental source is expected, and while there is multifocal carious / periapical disease, there is an erosion at LL7 into the medial mandibular cortex.
Fluid collection measuring (4 x 3 cm on axial imaging) in the left submandibular and masticator spaces. This contiguous with the mandible and there is a cortical breach extending to the remaining LL7 tooth compatible with a dental source of infection. Inflammatory stranding in the left parapharyngeal space but no deep neck collection. Local left level I and II reactive nodal enlargement.
Several periapical cysts in the maxilla and mandible around other remaining teeth.
No abnormality of the upper aerodigestive tract. No other neck mass. Normal included intracranial structures. Normal lung apices.