title: Magnetic resonance imaging of the maxilla and mandible: signal characteristics and features in the differential diagnosis of common lesions.
abstract: The maxilla and mandible are among the most difficult areas of the body to image with magnetic resonance techniques owing to the geometry of the jaws as well as the frequent susceptibility artifacts from dental restorations or appliances. This chapter briefly reviews the essentials of imaging techniques and basic anatomy and discusses the most common inflammatory conditions, benign and malignant lesions of the jaws, and temporomandibular joint. This review emphasizes and illustrates specific magnetic resonance features that facilitate characterization and diagnostic differentiation of these lesions. As the focus of this review is on the differentiation of infection and benign and malignant disease, a discussion of internal derangements and associated inflammatory disorders of the temporomandibular joint is beyond the scope of this review and is not discussed.
authors: From the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN.
authors: Kristine M
authors: KM
authors: Mosier
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology*; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000473:pathology*