MR angiography of the TMJ in asymptomatic volunteers

To evaluate the vascular anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding soft tissue non-invasively, we applied magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for delineating the arterial architecture around the TMJ. MR angiograms of the left and right TMJs in asymptomatic volunteers were obtained using 3D/Time-of-flight (TOF) (First Field Echo, TR/TE/FLIP=46ms/6.8ms/17^sup o^) with intravenous contrast. These MR angiograms were compared with experimental angiograms of human TMJ autopsy specimens in order to identify each of the branches of the arteries on the MR angiograms. This study enabled the depiction by MR angiography of arterial vessels around the TMJ region to some degree. In conclusion, MR angiography appears promising as a non-invasive tool to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the TMJ.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]