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Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) for differentiating between benign and malignant tumors in the palate., Materials and Methods: 26 patients with submucosal palatal tumors were preoperatively examined using DCE-MRI. Their maximum contrast index (CImax), time of CImax (Tmax), and washout ratios (WR300 and WR600) were determined from contrast index curves. The submucosal palatal tumors were divided into two groups according to their Tmax values: the early enhancement group (Tmax<300 s) consisted of 9 malignant tumors and 6 benign tumors, while the late enhancement group (Tmax≥300 s) included one malignant tumor and 10 benign tumors. We compared the following DCE-MRI parameters between the benign and malignant tumors: CImax and Tmax in all cases and CImax, Tmax, and the washout ratios in the early enhancement group. In addition, we performed a regression analysis of the relationships between tumor size and DCE-MRI parameters; i.e., CImax, Tmax, and washout ratios, among the malignant salivary gland tumors and pleomorphic adenomas., Results: In all cases and the early enhancement group, significant differences in Tmax were detected between the benign and malignant tumors (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively), and the optimal Tmax cutoff value for differentiating between them was found to be 165 s. None of the other parameters displayed significant differences between the benign and malignant tumors. Only the WR600 of the pleomorphic adenomas was significantly correlated with tumor size (R2=0.92, P<0.001)., Conclusions: Tmax is a useful parameter for distinguishing between benign and malignant submucosal palatal tumors., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ossifying fibroma (OF), a rare nonodontogenic tumor, is defined as a bone-related jawbone lesion. The main histopathological feature of OF is the replacement of bone by benign connective tissue. Ossifying fibroma usually occurs in the second to fourth decades of life and shows a predilection for females. Ossifying fibroma most commonly occurs in the mandible, and OF arising from the anterior part of the maxilla is rare. Ossifying fibromas display various radiographic findings, including varying degrees of radiolucency and radiopacity, depending on the proportions of their soft and hard tissue components. Depending on their components, it can be difficult to distinguish OF from other fibroosseous lesions and some odontogenic tumors by using conventional radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report a case of OF in the anterior maxilla in a 56-year-old man, together with its histopathological and imaging findings including the dynamic MRI findings., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for minor salivary gland tumors in the oral cavity., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with minor salivary gland tumors were examined preoperatively using DCE-MRI. Their maximum contrast index (CImax), time of CImax (Tmax), Tpeak; i.e., the time that corresponded to the CImax×0.90, and washout ratios (WR300 and WR600) were determined from contrast index (CI) curves. We compared these parameters between benign and malignant tumors and among the different histopathological types of minor salivary gland tumors. Then, we categorized the patients' CI curves into four patterns (gradual increase, rapid increase with high washout ratio, rapid increase with low washout, and flat)., Results: Statistically significant differences in Tmax (P=0.004) and Tpeak (P=0.002) were observed between the benign and malignant tumors. Regarding each histopathological tumor type, significant differences in Tmax (P<0.001), Tpeak (P<0.001), and WR600 (P=0.026) were observed between the pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. It was difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors using our CI curve classification because that two-thirds of the cases were classified into the same type (gradual increase)., Conclusion: The DCE-MRI parameters of minor salivary gland tumors contributed little to their differential diagnosis compared with those for major salivary gland tumors. During the diagnosis of minor salivary gland tumors, Tmax is useful for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Odontogenic fibroma (OF) is a rare nonepithelial benign tumor arising from the odontogenic mesenchymal tissue in the jawbone. OFs are topographically categorized into 2 types, the central type and peripheral type, and are histopathologically divided into the epithelium-poor type and epithelium-rich type. The radiological findings of central OF commonly include a uni- or multilocular radiolucent area with a well-defined margin, which are similar to those of cysts and other benign tumors of the jawbone. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish OF from these jawbone lesions on radiographs because of their noncharacteristic radiological findings. In this article, we report the cases of 2 patients with central OF who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) examinations and describe the usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for diagnosing OF., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), in extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of oral and maxillofacial regions., Study Design: Thirteen cases with extranodal NHL were examined using MRI. T1-weighted images (T1WI) and T2-weighted images (T2WI) or short TI inversion recovery (STIR) images were obtained in all cases. Contrast-enhanced images and DCE-MRI were acquired in 10 and 7 cases, respectively. On DCE-MRIs, we analyzed the parameters as follows: contrast index at maximal contrast enhancement (CImax), maximum contrast index (CI) gain/CImax ratio, and washout ratios (WR(300), WR(600), and WR(900)) at 300, 600, and 900 seconds after contrast medium injection., Results: The signal intensity of all lesions was hypointense to isointense on T1WIs and showed variable contrast enhancement patterns. On T2WIs and STIR images, the signal intensity was isointense to hyperintense in almost all cases. Analysis of DCE-MRI parameters in extranodal NHLs resulted in the identification of 4 types of CI curves according to CImax and WR: (1) CImax greater than 2.0 and WR(900) greater than 40%, (2) CImax greater than 2.0 and WR(900) less than 40%, (3) CImax less than 1.5 and WR(900) greater than 40%, and (4) CImax less than 1.5 and WR(900) greater than 40%., Conclusions: The signal intensities on MRI were not specific to extranodal NHL and resembled those of other tumor types. When CImax was less than 1.5 or WR900 was less than 40%, these parameters contributed to diagnosis in extranodal NHLs., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Malignant lymphoma is the second-most common malignancy in the head and neck region. Waldeyer's ring is the most common site of extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in that region, and a small percentage of primary extranodal NHL occurs in the oral cavity. The most common sites of extranodal NHL in the oral region are the palate and maxilla, and nearly half of extranodal NHL cases arise from bone. It is difficult to diagnose extranodal NHL because of the variety of its radiological features. We report a case of primary extranodal NHL of the maxilla in a 68-year-old female patient with atypical imaging findings, along with the results of analysis of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)., (Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic carcinoma that has metastatic potential, and because of its rare incidence, there are few reports focusing on its radiologic imaging. If it shows aggressive appearances, it can be diagnosed as malignant tumor. But in case of negative appearance, it is difficult to distinguish ameloblastic carcinoma from ameloblastoma. We report a case of ameloblastic carcinoma of the maxilla in a 76-year-old female patient with radiologic images and pathologic features., (Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Typical MR images of ameloblastomas on T2-weighted image (WI) or short inversion time inversion-recovery (STIR) show multiple bright high-signal-intensity loci on a high-signal-intensity background. Unilocular cystic-type ameloblastomas show homogeneously bright high signal intensity on T2WI or STIR as a water-like signal intensity. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish unilocular cystic-type ameloblastoma from other cystic lesions such as keratocystic odontogenic tumors, radicular cysts (residual cysts) and dentigerous cysts only on the basis of MRI signal intensity. In the present study, we evaluated whether contrast-enhanced (CE)-T1WI and dynamic CE-MRI (DCE-MRI) could provide additional information for differential diagnosis in unilocular cystic-type ameloblastoma. Images from 12 cases of suspected unilocular cystic-type ameloblastoma were evaluated in the present study. Of them, 5 had areas suspected of indicating a solid component on T1WI and T2WI (or STIR). Ten had undergone additional CE-T1WI and DCE-MRI. On 5 of 10 cases of CE-T1WI, a tiny enhancement area was detected. On 6 of 10 DCE-images, a time-course enhanced area which was suspected to be a solid component was detected. CE-T1WI was helpful in the diagnosis of ameloblastoma because the tiny enhanced areas were taken to indicate possible solid components. Moreover, the rim-enhancement area on CE-T1WI could be divided into small regions of interest, and some of these showed slightly increased enhancement on DCE-MRI, which was taken to indicate a solid component and/or intramural nodule with focal invasion of ameloblastoma tissue. DCE-MRIs of the four remaining cases, which provided no clues to the diagnosis of ameloblastoma in the manner of the above descriptions, showed thicker rim enhancement than odontogenic cysts. Thus, CE-T1WI and DCE-MRI were helpful in the differential diagnosis of unilocular cystic-type ameloblastomas with homogeneously bright high signal intensity on T2WI or STIR., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: It can be difficult to differentiate simple bone cysts (SBCs) from true cysts in the jaw when these lesions appear unilocular. The present study reports the MR imaging of subjects with SBCs and describes the diagnostic value of the MRI findings., Materials and Methods: Ten subjects with SBCs in the jaw were examined using MRI. T1- and T2-weighted images (T1WI, T2WI) were obtained, and contrast-enhanced images and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) were acquired., Results: In all cases, the contrast-enhanced T1WI acquired approximately 6 minutes after the administration of Gd-DTPA showed marked enhancement of the margin and slight enhancement of the inner part of the cyst cavity. In all cases, the time-signal intensity (SI) curves show a gradual increase in the SI until approximately 15 minutes after the administration of Gd-DTPA. These findings might not be observed on the DCE-MRIs of the other true cysts with epithelial lining that show no enhancement in a cavity., Conclusion: MRI, especially DCE-MRI, can provide useful information for distinguishing SBCs from other cysts., (Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

We evaluated the relationship between histopathological prognostic factors, tumor proliferation microvessel density (MVD), and enhancement parameters in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Twenty-eight T2 and T3 patients with primary oral SCC underwent DCE-MRI using three-dimensional fast imaging with a steady-state precession sequence. Tumor cell proliferation and MVD of all surgical specimens were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining with CD34 and the antibody for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Regression analysis was used to statistically analyze the relationship between the PCNA labeling index or MVD and each of three DCE-MRI parameters: maximum CI (CI-max), maximum CI gain (CI-gain) and the CI-gain / CI-max ratio). The PCNA labeling index and MVD showed significant correlations with the CI-gain/CI-max ratio (P=0.0012, r=0.581 and P=0.00141, r=0.574, respectively). The assessment of DCE-MRI parameters may prove to be a valuable non-invasive method for assessing tumor cell proliferation and MVD of patients with oral cancer.

To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in salivary gland tumors, thirty-five patients (47 lesions) who underwent MR examinations and were histopathologically diagnosed with salivary gland tumors in Okayama University Hospital, between April 1998 and March 2005, were entered in the present study. The parameters included CI(max300) or CI(max600), which was the contrast index (CI) at maximal contrast enhancement upon 300 s or 600 s, and Tmax, which was the time that corresponded to the CI(max300). Washout ratio (WR(300) or WR(600)) was defined as follows: CI(max300)-CI(300s)/CI(max300) or CI(max600)-CI(600s)/CI(max600)x100 (%), where CI(300) or CI(600) was the CI at 300s or 600s after contrast medium administration. We obtained the following results from the analysis of DCE-MRI parameters; (a) The salivary gland tumors were categorized into three CI curve types according to Tmax and WR300; Pleomorphic adenoma; Tmax > 210 s and WR300 < 10%, Warthin tumor; Tmax < 60 s and WR300 > 40%, and malignant tumor; 60s < Tmax < 210 s and 10% < WR300 < 30%; (b) On the basis of the relationship between Tmax and CImax or WR, all pleomorphic adenomas were successfully differentiated from Warthin tumor lesions. Of the 20 pleomorphic adenomas, 18 (90.0%) were successfully differentiated from malignant tumors. All Warthin tumor lesions were successfully differentiated from pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors. Of 12 the malignant tumors, 11 (91.7%) were successfully differentiated from pleomorphic adenomas. All malignant tumors were successfully differentiated from Warthin tumors. Thus, DCE-MRI parameters are useful in diagnosing salivary gland tumors on the basis of the combined assessment of Tmax and CImax or WR.

Purpose: To examine whether the signal intensity of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is altered by test injection of 1 ml of contrast medium, and if so, whether this change affects the DCE-MRI analysis., Materials and Methods: Six healthy volunteers were examined by DCE-MRI using a Magnevist syringe and/or an Omniscan syringe for the injection of contrast medium. Each scan was performed 10 times using steady-state free precession (3D-FISP), a sequence for DCE-MRI, before and after intravenous injection of 1 ml of the contrast medium. The internal pterygoid muscle, masseter muscle, tongue, parotid gland, submandibular gland, bone marrow of the mandible, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and common carotid artery were determined to be regions of interest (ROI), and the ROI internal average signal intensity was measured. The 10 data sets obtained before or after contrast medium administration for each ROI were evaluated using the paired t-test., Results: The test injection increased the signal intensities of six of eight ROIs, with all 20 experiments in the submandibular gland showing significant differences. There was no significant difference in the two ROIs corresponding to the carotid artery and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the cheek., Conclusions: The enhanced signal intensity in the tissue might have been caused by the small amount of contrast medium in the test injection. To eliminate this discrepancy caused by the test injection, a pre-contrast scan should be performed when the average signal intensity of an ROI is measured. We therefore believe that the data obtained before a test injection may be important in the analysis of DCE-MRI.

We retrospectively evaluated magnetic resonance images (MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of ameloblastomas. MRI and DCE-MRI were performed for 10 ameloblastomas. We obtained the following results from the MRI and DCE-MRI. (a) Ameloblastomas can be divided into solid and cystic portions on the basis of MR signal intensities. (b) Ameloblastomas show a predilection for intermediate signal intensity on T1WI, high signal intensity on T2WI, and well enhancement in the solid portion; they also show a homogeneous intermediate signal intensity on T1WI and homogeneous high signal intensity on T2WI, and no enhancement in the cystic portion. (c) The mural nodule or thick wall can be detected in ameloblastomas lesions. (d) CI curves of ameloblastomas show two patterns: the first pattern increases, reaches a plateau at 100-300 s, then sustains the plateau or decreases gradually to 600-900 s, while the other increases relatively rapidly, reaches a plateau at 90-120 s, then decreases relatively rapidly to 300 s, and decreases gradually thereafter. There was no difference in the CI curve patterns among primary and recurrent cases, a case with glandular odontogenic tumor in ameloblastoma or among histopathological types such as plexiform, follicular, mixed, desmoplastic, and unicystic type.

The radiographical differentiation of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) from dentigerous cysts, calcifying odontogenic cysts, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors, odontogenic keratocysts and amelobastomas is sometimes difficult. We attempted to differentiate AOT from other lesions similar to AOT in radiographic findings using MRI. The MRI features of AOT in our three cases included homogeneous low SI in the cystic portion and homogeneous intermediate SI in the solid portion on T1WI, homogeneous high SI in the cystic portion and intermediate to slightly high SI in the solid portion on T2WI and enhancement of only the solid portion on CE-T1WI although none of the sequences included SI of calcifications. The contrast index curves in the three cases of AOT showed a gradual increase to 300 s, which signified a benign tumor. These MRI features were characteristic features of AOT and might be a basis for differentiating AOT from the above possible lesions in radiographic examinations.

Because malignant lymphoma, the second most common malignant tumor of the head and neck, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck, require different treatments, it is important to be able to differentiate them. In the present study, we attempted to differentiate malignant lymphomas from SCCs using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). Seventeen lesions (in 8 cases) of malignant lymphoma and 30 cases of SCC were compared by DCE-MRI. Thirteen of 17 malignant lymphomas (76.5%) showed the maximum contrast index (CI) at 90-180 s, while 26 of 30 SCCs (86.7%) showed the maximum CI at a much faster 60-105 s. There was a statistically significant difference between SCC and malignant lymphoma in the time needed reach the maximum CI (p = 0.0177). There was also significant difference between SCC and malignant lymphoma in their maximum CIs (p < 0.001), with the maximum CIs of 29/30 SCCs (96.7%) above 2.0, while 12/17 malignant lymphomas (70.6%) showed CIs of less than 2.0. We consider these findings to be useful for distinguishing lymphomas from SCCs.

In this study, we attempted to diagnose malignant lymphoma on the basis of magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). Eighteen lesions (in eight patients), all of which had been proven histopathologically, were detected on MRI. The eight patients included five patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one with B-cell low-grade MALT lymphoma, one with follicular lymphoma, and one with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Nine lesions were located in the submandibular region, three in the buccal region, two in the orbit region, two in the submental region, and one each in the palatal and tonsil regions. The diameter of the lesions ranged between 9 and 42.2 mm (average: 22.4 mm). The signal intensities (SIs) of the 18 lesions were examined on T1-weighted (T1WI), T2WI, and gadopentetate (Gd)-T1WI. One lesion in case 8 was excluded from DCE-MRI findings, i.e., the regions of interest could not be adequately set on DCE-MRIs. The contrast index (CI) curves of the remaining 17 lesions were prepared. All 18 lesions showed almost the same images on T1WI, T2WI, and Gd-T1WI, although they represented four types of lymphoma. The images showed homogeneous SI that was intermediate to slightly high SI on T1WI, slightly high SI on T2WI, and moderately enhanced on Gd-T1WI. Thus, the cases of malignant lymphoma in this study showed relatively characteristic features based on MRI; however, these features might be non-specific. The CI curves in this study showed a relatively rapid increase, reaching a maximum CI at 45-120 s, and a relatively rapid decrease in most lesions (14/17; 82.4%); on the other hand, the curves of 3 of the 15 lesions (17.6%) showed relatively rapid increase, sustenance of a plateau, and a gradual decrease thereafter. These patterns of CI curves may indicate characteristic features useful for distinguishing malignant lymphomas from other lesions.

We evaluated magnetic resonance images (MRI) and the value of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of pleomorphic adenomas retrospectively. MRI was performed for 18 pleomorphic adenomas, including 11 cases with DCE-MRI. We obtained the following results on the MRI and DCE-MRI. (a). Pleomorphic adenomas showed a predilection for homogeneous intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images (T1WI), heterogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and heterogeneous enhancement on Gd-T1WI. (b). Of 11 contrast index (CI) curves of pleomorphic adenomas, nine CI curves (81.8%) increased gradually to 600 s or increased gradually, reached a plateau, and sustained the plateau to 600 s. The remaining two (18.2%) increased gradually and decreased gradually thereafter. (c). CI curves reached the maximum CI index at 135-300 s.

We examined the frequency of incidentally found or unexpected tumors discovered at the time of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region for patients with suspicion of TMJ arthrosis. Five MR images (T1-weighted transverse scout image and proton density and T2-weighted oblique sagittal images at the open and closed mouth) were acquired. In 2776 MRI examinations of TMJ arthrosis, two tumors were discovered. They consisted of an adenoid cystic carcinoma in the deep portion of the parotid gland, and a malignant tumor extending from the infratemporal fossa to the parapharyngeal space. The rate of incidentally founded or unexpected tumors in TMJ examinations was low (0.072%), but the two tumors found were malignant tumors, and therefore, scout image should be carefully examined, not only used for positing the slice.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a relatively rare, non-neoplastic expansile lesion of bone. Bleeding may occur during an operation or biopsy for ABC, as this cyst is an aneurys with numerous pools of blood. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose ABC before treatment or biopsy. In the present report, we describe the characteristic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of ABC in the mandible. Based on the literature and on our own experiences, we compare with the features of ABC with the corresponding features of other lesions showing similar conventional radiographic appearances. In the present case, bone-targeting CT showed the characteristic feature, which reflected the histopathological appearance of a partially cystic meshwork divided by coarse septa. MRI showed almost homogeneous intermediate signal intensity, including a partial slight low-signal-intensity area on the T1-weighted image, and homogeneous high signal intensity, which showed a 'bubbly' appearance, on T2-weighted image. On the enhanced T1-weighted image, the intermediate signal intensity areas apart from the areas that showed slight low-signal intensity on the non-enhanced T1-weighted image, were well enhanced. This creates a 'honeycomb' appearance. The 'meshwork' appearance on bone-targeting CT, the 'bubbly' appearance on the T2WI and the 'honeycomb' appearance on Gd-T1WI may be the characteristic features of ABC.

In the present study, we attempted to diagnose and detect the extent of tumors in the sublingual region using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic MRI. MRI with or without gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA)-enhancement in seven lesions of the sublingual regions was performed. The seven lesions included four cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (mucoepidermoid Ca), two cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and one case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Whether the tumor was malignant or benign, as well as the differential diagnosis, could not be determined on the basis of the MR signals, even when enhancement was performed. Dynamic MRI was performed in five cases, two cases of ACC, two cases of mucoepidermoid Ca, and one case of SCC. The dynamic MRI showed a rapid enhancement at 30-45 sec in all five cases before the normal sublingual gland began to be enhanced. The early phases at 30-45 sec of the dynamic MRI in five cases showed marked enhancement before the normal sublingual glands were enhanced, and therefore could clearly show the extent of the lesions. In conclusion, the dynamic MRI may be useful in differentiating malignant from benign tumors, and in detecting the extent of the tumors in the sublingual carcinomas.

It is often difficult to radiographically distinguish odontogenic myxomas from ameloblastomas. In the present study, we tried to differentiate odontogenic myxomas from ameloblastomas using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dynamic MRI). Two cases of ameloblastoma with cystic components and two cases of odontogenic myxoma were compared by dynamic MRI. The dynamic MRI features of solid areas of ameloblastomas showed a rapid enhancement, reaching maximum contrast at 45-60 s, and maintained these enhancement levels or showed a gradual wash-out to 600 s thereafter; in contrast, those of the cystic areas of ameloblastomas showed no enhancement. The dynamic MRI features of the whole area of odontogenic myxomas (we considered the whole area to be the tumor substance in the odontogenic myxomas, as based on histopathological examinations) showed a gradual increase in enhancement at 500-600 s. The central portions of the odontogenic myxomas, which did not appear to be enhanced on Gd-T1 weighted images also showed a gradual increase in enhancement at 500-600 s, though the increase was minimal. These results indicate that the dynamic MRI features of odontogenic myxomas are different from those of ameloblastomas. Therefore, dynamic MRI may be a useful tool for diagnosis of myxoma.

We examined three patients with multiple synchronous Warthin's tumors in the bilateral parotid and described the value of using dynamic MRI. The time course of the contrast index (CI curves) was calculated from a dynamic series. Warthin's tumors showed intermediate signal intensity on T1WI, heterogeneous high and intermediate signal intensity on T2WI and a slight enhancement on Gd-T1WI. Warthin's tumors of CI curves showed specific findings. CI curves in each lesion showed the same pattern. It was difficult to diagnose masses as Warthin's tumors using only MR images on T1, T2 and Gd-T1WI. Dynamic MRI can distinguish Warthin's tumors from other possible tumors except for oncocytoma. Therefore, the use of dynamic MRI is recommended as a diagnostic method for Warthin's tumors in multiple synchronous lesions of the parotid gland.

Objectives: It is known that the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of dentigerous cysts (DCs) are the same as those of other cysts. The cavities of DCs generally show low signal intensity (SI) on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). However, in our experience, DCs often show high SI on T1WI, rendering them difficult to distinguish from keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs). In this study, we evaluated seven cases of DC and 23 cases of KCOT to assess whether MR imaging can provide additional information for the differential diagnosis of DC and KCOT. Methods: Two trials were evaluated. The first trial was an analysis of the cystic cavity SI on T1WI. To compare the SI between patients, we performed T1WI with contrast (T1c). The second trial analyzed the SI uniformity ( U) on T1WI, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) images of the cystic cavity, because it has been reported that an MR imaging feature of KCOT is heterogeneous SI. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The T1c values of DCs were significantly higher than those for KCOTs. The U values on T1WI and STIR images were significantly higher for DCs than for KCOTs. The T1c cutoff values (0.66 and 0.84) and U cutoff values for T1WI (82.1 %) and STIR images (79.8 %) were determined from the ROC analyses. Conclusions: T1c and U values provide useful additional information for the differential diagnosis of DC and KCOT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI parameters and time-signal intensity curves (TICs; also known as contrast index curves) are useful for the differential diagnosis of jawbone lesions. In particular, odontogenic fibroma and ossifying fibroma, which possess similar histopathological features (i.e., a mixture of hard and soft tissue components), display unique TIC patterns, and we consider that the TIC patterns of these lesions reflect their hard and soft tissue components. Therefore, fibrous dysplasia, which contains fibrous tissue and immature isolated trabeculae composed of woven bone, is expected to display an interesting TIC. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of TICs for differentiating between the abovementioned lesions, which have similar histopathological components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphoepithelial cysts, which are also known as branchial cleft cysts, commonly occur in the lateral cervical region. Lymphoepithelial cysts arising in the parotid gland are rare and must be distinguished from parotid gland tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for diagnosing parotid gland lesions, and MR images of lymphoepithelial cysts typically display a cystic mass that appears homogeneously hypointense on T1-weighted images and homogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted images. However, some parotid gland tumors that retain fluid in their inner sections show similar MRI findings to lymphoepithelial cysts. Furthermore, lymphoepithelial cysts are sometimes modified by inflammation, and these cases are hard to diagnose. We report the case of a 59-year-old female with a lymphoepithelial cyst that arose in the parotid gland. The cyst had been affected by inflammation and displayed atypical imaging findings, i.e., heterogeneous signal intensity of the liquid component and the presence of a well-enhanced capsule-like structure surrounding the liquid component. In addition, we compare the MRI findings of this case with those of two other cervical lymphoepithelial cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT) are typical jawbone tumors. In addition, dentigerous cysts (DC) and radicular cysts are the most common cystic jawbone lesions, and simple bone cysts (SBC) are the most common jawbone pseudocysts. When these lesions are unilocular, it can be difficult to diagnose them by radiography. In recent years, adding magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to obtain information about soft tissue has been shown to improve the accuracy of jawbone lesion diagnosis. We also have reported MR imaging features of jawbone lesions. However, no systematic method for MR imaging diagnosis of jawbone lesions has been reported. In this review, we examine unilocular lesions such as ameloblastoma, KCOT, adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT), DC, and SBC. First, we describe the MR imaging features of each lesion. Then, we describe our novel MR imaging diagnostic protocol. Using our MR imaging diagnostic protocol to diagnose 31 cases, we obtained a positivity rate of 71.0%. The use of our MR imaging diagnostic protocol for unilocular lesions, which are especially difficult to differentiate by radiography, would improve the morphological and qualitative diagnosis of soft tissue lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Various types of lesion have been reported in the submental region, but submental masses can be difficult to diagnose. Our objective was to attempt to diagnose submental masses by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with clinical data. Methods. We attempted to diagnose seven cases in which the chief complaint was submental swelling; diagnosis was carried out on the basis of features visualized by MRI. Results. Seven types of lesions were observed: phlegmone and abscess caused by osteomyelitis; epidermoid cyst; thyroglossal duct cyst; abscess-forming granulomatous lymphadenitis; T-cell lymphoma (suspected Hodgkin's disease); non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma; and lymph node metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma in the tongue. Conclusions. The magnetic resonance images of each lesion revealed characteristic features. Thus, MRI may be useful for the differential diagnosis of submental swelling before the initiation of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between the enhanced patterns acquired by dynamic MRI and the tumor cell proliferation estimated by immunostaining proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Thirty patients with primary oral SCC underwent dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI using a three-dimensional fast imaging with steady-state precession sequence. Tumor cell proliferation of all surgical specimens was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining with the anti-PCNA antibody. The relationship between the dynamic MRI parameters (maximum CI and maximum CI gain) and the PCNA labeling index was statistically analyzed using regression analysis. The time contrast index curves of all cases showed a rapid and high uptake pattern. The PCNA labeling index showed a significant correlation with maximum CI and maximum CI gain (P<0.0001, r=0.866 and P=0.0019, r=0.544, respectively). The assessment of DCE-MRI parameters may provide valuable information for tumor cell proliferation of the patients with oral cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]