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

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate hemangioma from lymphangioma 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 was observed in all hemangiomas in areas corresponding to those with high signal 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 improve delineation of masses in all cases, it can be used to differentiate between deep hemangiomas and lymphangiomas.