Objective     To assess the infection and its spread pathway in maxillofacial and neck fascial spaces by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT).      Methods     We conducted a retrospective analysis using the data of 43 clinical patients with maxillofacial and neck infections

and observed the MSCT manifestations and spread pathways of the infections.      Results     The MSCT signs of cellulitis included increased adipose tissue density

accumulated fluid

and accumulated gas in fascial spaces

as well as muscle swelling and thickening. Abscesses exhibited low density in the centers and enhancement in the peripheral walls. The lesions were found in masticator spaces (14 cases)

the spaces between muscles enveloped by deep cervical fasciae (7 cases)

the spaces of mouth floors (6 cases)

visceral spaces (6 cases)

carotid spaces (5 cases)

retropharyngeal spaces (4 cases)

suprahyoid and infrahyoid spaces 3 cases

and peritonsillar space (1 case of peritonsillitis). Among the lesions

5 cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis were observed. The infections could spread into communicated spaces and downward into the mediastinum and pleural cavity and could involve adjacent structures.      Conclusion     MSCT can be used to diagnose the infections of maxillofacial and neck fascial spaces accurately and to display the spread pathways.