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

Abstract 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. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;88:496-500)