Mandibular nerve: MR versus CT about 10 proved unusual tumors

Following a review of thirty patients with an infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal mass and, 10 patients with symptoms of mandibular neuralgia formed the basis of this study. They were studied by both enhanced CT and MRI. MRI, better than CT, easily permits distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic lesions and detects involvement of the cavernous sinus and meninges. Morever, because of its multiplanar imaging capability, and ability to portray exquisite anatomic details and characteristic tissue signal intensity, MRI is helpful in the evaluation of tumor involvement for biopsy and preoperative planning for these deep tumours. (orig.)