Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of the mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the oral cavity. Correlation with pathological data.
BACKGROUND
To retrospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of the mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) having histopathological exams as standard of reference.


METHODS
Institutional review board approval with a waiver of informed patient consent was obtained. Of the 147 patients selected from our database who underwent surgical excision of a tumour arising into the oral cavity, thirty-six patients (26 men, 10 women; mean age, 56 years; range, 30-75 years) with hystologically proven SCC who performed both a preoperative MRI and MDCT, composed our final study population.Images were qualitatively analyzed in consensus by two expert radiologist in head and neck imaging. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were assessed for both MRI and MDCT.Differences in sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated at a statistical significance of p < .05.


RESULTS
The sensitivity, the specificity and the accuracy of MRI and MDCT in the detection of the mandibular involvement were respectively 93%, 82%, 86% and 79%, 82%, 81%, while the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were respectively 76%, 95% and 73%, 86%. There wasn't any statistically significant difference in overall diagnostic accuracy between MRI and MDCT in the evaluation of mandibular tumour invasion (p > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
MRI showed to have a higher sensitivity compare to MDCT in the assessment of mandibular involvement from SCC arising in the oral cavity although none statistically significant differences were noted.
Vidiri
Antonello
A
Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Regina Elena Institute, E, Chianesi 53, Rome, Italy. vidiri@ifo.it
Guerrisi
Antonino
A
Pellini
Raul
R
Manciocco
Valentina
V
Covello
Renato
R
Mattioni
Oreste
O
Guerrisi
Isabella
I
Di Giovanni
Salvatore
S
Spriano
Giuseppe
G
Crecco
Marcello
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed