title: Incidental findings on MRI of the temporomandibular joint.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of incidental findings in MRI of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
  
  
  METHODS
  MRI reports of 730 patients were assessed. The reports were analysed by one consultant and one clinical lecturer in dental and maxillofacial radiology. The prevalence of intracranial and extracranial incidental findings was recorded and categorized.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 53 (7.3%) incidental findings, of which 11 (1.5%) were intracranial and 42 (5.7%) were extracranial (divided into paranasal sinuses, mastoid air cells, muscle hypertrophy, lymphadenopathy and salivary glands). A total number of eight intracranial findings needed further dedicated imaging and/or specialist clinical opinion. Only one tumour (a meningioma) was found and required surgical intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Incidental findings on TMJ MRI are rare but not unheard of. The clinical relevance of incidental findings can be significant, and it is therefore important to ensure that the full data set of images is inspected, including any scout slices. A close working relationship between the areas of dental and maxillofacial radiology and neuroradiology is essential in expediting a second opinion relating to intracranial findings. All incidental findings should be communicated to referring clinicians in a timely manner, based on their urgency and clinical significance.
authors.affiliation: Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Institute of Dentistry, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK;
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Makdissi
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Pawar
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radon
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000473:pathology; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000473:pathology; D008579:Meningioma / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009078:Mucocele / Q000175:diagnosis; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: MRI; incidental findings; temporomandibular joint