Presentation
Pain with recurrent purulent discharge from the ventral aspect of the tongue. No history of trauma or previous surgery.
Patient Data
The MRI sequences demonstrate a well-defined lobulated collection within the tongue centered on the lingual septum, displacing the genioglossus muscles laterally. It displays a low signal on T1 and a high signal on T2 with restricted diffusion. The postcontrast sequences show a peripheral rim enhancement of uniform thickness. There is also edematous infiltration with enhancement of the genioglossus muscles and sublingual space. The other extrinsic muscles of the tongue are preserved.
Submandibular enlarged lymph nodes are noted bilaterally.
Case Discussion
MRI features of a lingual abscess (abscess of the tongue).
Considering the age of the patient and the recurrence of the infection at the same site, an underlying cause must be sought, such as an infected cyst.