[Importance of SPECT/CT for resolving diseases of the jaw].

Abstract

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE:

Diseases of the jaw, such as osteomyelitis, condylar hyperactivity and tumors need adequate imaging to evaluate the extension and activity for therapy planning.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS:

Conventional planar scintigraphy, orthopantomography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for the evaluation of jaw diseases.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS:

Single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) provides metabolic and morphologic information in one imaging step and is becoming increasingly more available in larger hospitals.

PERFORMANCE:

The SPECT/CT is superior to planar scintigraphy alone, CT and orthopantomography in the evaluation of the extension and activity of osteomyelitis and jaw tumors.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

In our hospital SPECT/CT has replaced the other imaging modalities in the evaluation of osteomyelitis and condylar hyperactivity.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

If available SPECT/CT should be performed for the evaluation of osteomyelitis of the jaw.

• Authors: K Strobel, M Merwald, M W Huellner, C Bolouri, P Veit-Haibach, M del Sol Pèrez-Lago, J Kuttenberger
• Journal: Der Radiologe (Radiologe) Vol. 52 Issue 7 Pg. 638-45 (Jul 2012) ISSN: 1432-2102 [Electronic] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Stellenwert der SPECT/CT zur Abklärung von Kiefererkrankungen.
• PMID: 22710990 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Humans
• Image Enhancement (methods)
• Jaw (diagnostic imaging)
• Jaw Diseases (diagnosis)
• Multimodal Imaging (methods)
• Positron-Emission Tomography
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed