title: CT and MR findings in synovial chondromatosis of the temporo-mandibular joint: our experience and review of literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) features and their diagnostic potential in the assessment of Synovial Chondromatosis (SC) of the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients with symptoms and signs compatible with dysfunctional disorders of the TMJ underwent CT and MR scan. We considered the following parameters: soft tissue involvement (disk included), osteostructural alterations of the joints, loose bodies and intra-articular fluid. These parameters were evaluated separately by two radiologists with a "double blinded method" and then, after agreement, definitive assessment of the parameters was given. CT and MR findings were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histopathological results showed metaplastic synovia in all patients and therefore confirmed diagnosis of SC. MR resulted better than CT in the evaluation of all parameters except the osteostructural alterations of the joints, estimated with more accuracy by CT scan.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CT scan is excellent to define bony surfaces of the articular joints and flogistic tissue but it fails in the detection of loose bodies when these are not yet calcified. MR scan therefore is the gold standard when SC is suspected since it can visualize loose bodies at early stage and also evaluate disk condition and eventual extra-articular tissues involvement. The use of T2-weighted images and contrast medium allows identifying intra-articular fluid, estimating its entity and discriminating from sinovial tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, University "Sapienza" of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy. doctor.lot@gmail.com
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Testaverde
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perrone
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Caporali
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ermini
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: D'Angeli
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Impara
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mazza
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Izzo
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015838:Chondromatosis, Synovial / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult