MRT IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOMYELITIS OF THE MANDIBLE AFTER RADIOTHERAPY

A prospective study was performed to assess the diagnostic potential o f MRI in mandibular osteomyelitis after radiation therapy. A total of 60 MRI studies were performed in 39 patients with lymphoma and carcino ma of the head and neck. Clinically or histologically proven osteomyel itis of the mandible occurred in 10 patients depending on the radiatio n dose absorbed to bone; 9 of these were unequivocally diagnosed by ty pical MRI appearance, two cases were false positive. MRI is superior t o other diagnostic methods such as conventional radiology and clinical examination. It should be performed routinely in an oncological follo w-up after radiation therapy depending on the dental status and radiat ion dose.