[Nuclear magnetic tomography in otorhinolaryngology. Case reports]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) promises the achievement of considerable improvements in diagnostic procedures in otorhinolaryngology. In this article, the advantages of the technique are presented and their significance in diagnosis of head and neck disorders is discussed. An important advantage is the fine and detailed representation of tumours particularly in the soft tissue of the neck and the base of the tongue, which is made possible by an enhancement of contrast and by the improved spatial imaging based on the frontal and sagittal projection plane. MRI also seems to provide a new approach to the diagnosis of tumours of the glomus jugulare and the carotid body and of acoustic neurinomas. Besides, it will be possible to obtain more detailed information on the depth of infiltration of laryngeal carcinomas with the aid of surface coils.