Visualization of anterior disc displacement in temporomandibular disorders on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: comparison with T2-weighted, proton density–weighted, and precontrast T1-weighted imaging

Objective To compare postcontrast T1-weighted imaging (T1WI + ) with precontrast T1-weighted (T1WI − ), T2-weighted (T2WI), and proton density–weighted imaging (ProWI) in depiction of the anterior disc displacement (ADD) in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Study design A total of 120 joints with TMD were included in this study. Qualitatively, Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed. Quantitatively, the ratio of the intensity in the retrodiscal tissue to intensity in the disc (intensity ratio) was measured. Results One reader achieved superior performance in visualization of ADD with T1WI + than with the other sequences. The other reader showed superiority with T1WI + rather than T2WI or T1WI − . The intensity ratio on T1WI + was significantly higher than the intensity ratio on other sequences. On T1WI, + the intensity ratio in the joints with ADD was significantly higher than that in the joints without ADD. Conclusion Postcontrast T1-weighted imaging can improve the visualization of ADD in TMDs.