ADVANCES IN MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE HEAD AND NECK

The head and neck encompass a tremendous spectrum of tissues in a COMP act Space with almost every organ system represented, including the di gestive and respiratory tracts, as well as the nervous, osseous, and v ascular systems. Because of its anatomic complexity, this area tends t o be approached with considerable trepidation. The high resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its outstanding definition of tis sue contrast allow for an exquisite display of normal and pathologic a natomy. However, imaging of the head and neck, due to this intricate a natomy and the varied orientation of structures, demands much more att ention to detail than do other areas of the body. This is underscored by the multitude of MRI sequences that can be employed. In this articl e I will review the application of various MRI techniques in the evalu ation of the head and neck.