Advances in magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck

The head and neck encompass a tremendous spectrum of tissues in a compact space with almost every organ system represented, including the digestive and respiratory tracts, as well as the nervous, osseous, and vascular systems. Because of its anatomic complexity, this area tends to be approached with considerable trepidation. The high resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its outstanding definition of tissue contrast allow for an exquisite display of normal and pathologic anatomy. However, imaging of the head and neck, due to this intricate anatomy and the varied orientation of structures, demands much more attention to detail than do other areas of the body. This is underscored by the multitude of MRI sequences that can be employed. In this article I will review the application of various MRI techniques in the evaluation of the head and neck.