Value of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation of hemangiomas front lymphangiomas in the oral and maxillofacial region

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of cont rast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate hemangioma from l ymphangioma in the oral and maxillofacial region. Study design. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 20 patients (21 masses: 17 hemangiomas and 4 lymphangiomas) through use of either a 0.2-T permanent system or a 0.5-T superconductive system and spin -echo pulse sequences. Results. After intravenous administration of contrast medium, enhancement w as observed in all hemangiomas in areas corresponding to those with high si gnal on T-2-weighted images. Unequivocally increased signal was observed in 10 masses, and slightly increased signal was observed in 7 masses. On the other hand, none of the lymphangiomas showed an enhancing mass on contrast- enhanced T-1-weighted images. Conclusions. Although contrast-enhanced T-1-weighted imaging may not improv e delineation of masses in all cases, it can be used to differentiate betwe en deep hemangiomas and lymphangiomas.