ABSTRACT
This study deals with the capacities of noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) without administration of magnetic resonance contrast substances in the diagnosis of facial soft tissue angiodysplasias in children. Indications for their use are defined. The methodology of the studies is proposed. Their diagnostic role and relationship with the other noninvasive technique of medical visualization--ultrasound study (USS) with Doppler color mapping (DCM) are assessed. As compared with USS, MRI may more accurately and objectively establish the organotopic characteristics of facial soft tissue angiodysplasias and detect lesions of the deep facial parts, maxillary bones, and paranasal sinuses in the diagnosis of these abnormalities. The use of MRI may define the belonging of angiodysplasias to the arterial or venous bed, reveal afferent and efferent vessels, including intracranial ones, and to detect intracranial angiodysplastic changes. USS with DSM was superior to MRI with MRA in defining functional (hemodynamic) parameters of angiodysplasias, which makes this method indispendable in planning treatment and in evaluating its efficiency. Comprehensive examination of patients with large and extensive angiodysplasias of facial soft tissues has indicated that facial angiodysplasias are external manifestations of a more generalized angiodysplastic process in most cases, which, in large and extensive facial angiodysplasias, makes it expedient to perform MRI with MRA of the brain and, if possible, the whole body. The high informative value of MRI with MRA in studying angiodysplasias makes them the method of choice in the diagnosis of this group of diseases.
