Imaging of cartilage and mimic muscles with MRI: Anatomic study in healthyvolunteers and patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Objective: The aim of the study was to visualize different soft tissues in the perioral, nasal, and paranasal region by means of magnetic resonance im aging (MRI) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Design: In this descriptive study, images of different MRI systems were ass essed and compared. Method: MRI was applied in five consecutive patients operated on for UCLP w ho underwent secondary lip and nasal correction, two patients who had not h ad UCLP operations, and five healthy volunteers as controls. The mimic musc les, vessels, and nasal cartilages were evaluated. Results: It was possible to visualize different parts of the paranasal and perioral mimic muscles and their interlacement in the upper lip. The nasal cartilages were also visible, and the changes after operation were demonstr ated. Conclusions: MRI shows differentiated visualization of soft tissues in the cleft region and their changes after surgery. It is a valuable tool in the preoperative planning and postoperative follow-up in patients with UCLP.