title: Fast spin-echo imaging of the temporomandibular joint.
abstract: The applicability of a fast spin-echo (FSE) technique for magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was studied, and the technique compared with a conventional spin-echo (CSE) technique. Sagittal T1-weighted CSE and dual-echo FSE images of 50 TMJs in 25 patients with symptoms of internal TMJ derangement were compared. CSE and FSE images were diagnostically comparable in 22 TMJs (44%). The FSE technique was rated better than CSE imaging for delineation of the disk in 26 joints (52%), whereas the CSE technique was rated better in only two joints (4%). The FSE technique was preferred overall in 54% of the joints. Mild to moderate joint effusion was detected in 17 joints because additional T2-weighted data were provided with the dual-echo FSE technique. The study showed that FSE imaging is an effective technique for evaluation of the TMJ. It is faster and diagnostically comparable to or better than CSE imaging, with the added advantage of providing T2-weighted data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vinitski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liem
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rapoport
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*