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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Quantifying Mixing using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: January 25, 2012
A Prospective Comparison of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic tool for Maxillofacial
V Ramesh Babu1, Srikanth Ikkurthi2, Dinesh Kumar Perisetty3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Narayana Dental College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Aims And Objectives:
The aim of this work was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus computed tomography (CT) in the initial evaluation of maxillofacial space infections by comparing various parameters of the imaging studies and comparing them on a three-point scale.
Materials And Methods:
We prospectively evaluated 15 patients with head and neck space infections. All patients underwent CT and MRI using similar slice thickness. We reviewed all imaging studies with special attention to location, extension, source of infection, extent of bone involvement, odontogenic or nonodontogenic, and presence of gas/calcium in the lesions. All the parameters were graded based on a three-point scale and were compared statistically by paired t-test.
Results:
According to the results we arrived at, MRI was superior to CT in regard to lesion conspicuity, extension, number of anatomic spaces involved, and source on infection. Although not significant, MRI detected a greater number of abscess collections. However, in the aspects of detection of intralesional gas and calcium and motion artifacts, CT was superior to MRI. However, these advantages of CT over MRI are not significantly better than those of MRI.
Conclusion:
MRI was considered superior to CT in the initial evaluation of head and neck space infections. Our study thus concludes that MRI may be used as the primary modality to evaluate patients with head and neck infections when clinically feasible.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) for evaluating head and neck space infections. MRI offers better visualization of lesion conspicuity, extension, and infection source, making it a preferred initial imaging choice.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Maxillofacial space infections require accurate initial imaging for effective management.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are common diagnostic modalities.
- Comparing the efficacy of CT and MRI in evaluating these infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the advantages and disadvantages of MRI versus CT in the initial evaluation of maxillofacial space infections.
- To assess various imaging parameters using a standardized grading scale.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 15 patients with head and neck space infections.
- All patients underwent both CT and MRI with comparable slice thickness.
- Imaging parameters including lesion location, extension, source, bone involvement, and presence of gas/calcium were graded and statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- MRI demonstrated superiority over CT in lesion conspicuity, extension, number of involved spaces, and infection source identification.
- MRI detected more abscess collections, though not statistically significant.
- CT showed advantages in detecting intralesional gas and calcium, and fewer motion artifacts, but these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- MRI is considered a superior imaging modality for the initial evaluation of head and neck space infections compared to CT.
- MRI can be recommended as the primary imaging modality when clinically feasible for patients with head and neck infections.
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