Diagnostic Accuracy and Usefulness of Three Dimensional Image of Helical CT in Maxillofacial Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy and usefelness of three dimensional CT, plain radiography and two-dimensional axial CT in cases of maxillofacial fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plain radiography, two dimensional axial CT, and three dimensional helical CT images of eighty-two maxillofacial fractures in 45 patients were retrospectively analyzed according to detectability of fracture and displacement. The diagnostic accuracy of each modality was analysed using the Ridit method. RESULTS: Two- and three-dimensional CT were superior to plain radiography in evaluating fracture and displacement (p=0.001, 0.039), though the type of CT used did not cause significantly variation in the accuracy with which fracture and diferrent were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Three dimensional helical CT is useful not only in the detection of fracture but in the evaluation of displaced maxillofacial fractures, especially if these are multiple and the complex.

Cervical Tuberculous Lymphadenitis: MR Features

PURPOSE: To characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cervical MR images of 14 patients with pathologically or clinically proven cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis were retrospectively analyzed. T1- and T2-weighted or proton density images and contrast enhanced MR images were obtained in all patients. RESULTS: Most patient had multiple (n=12), unilateral lesions (n=l0), 8 mm to 45 mm in size, round (n=46) or ovoid (n=46) in shape and all with smooth and well-defined margins mostly at internal jugular chain(N2: 41, N3: 2, N4: 21 ). The signal intensities of the most lymph nodes were isointense or slightly hyperintense on T1 -weighted images, and hyperintense (all) with variable homogeneity on T2-weighted and/or proton density images. After contrast enhancement most showed characteristic thin peripheral rim enhancement (n=71). CONCLUSION: The characteristic MR features of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis would be multiple, unilateral enlarged lymph nodes which show iso or slightly increased signal intensity on T1 -weighted image, high signal intensity on T2-weighted and/or proton density image and peripheral rim enhancement.