Abstract
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a new diagnostic technique that is being applied to study disease processes that involve the upper aerodigestive tract and cranial nerves of interest to otolaryngologist.
Thirty six patients with head and neck tumor were enrolled to study the diagnostic efficacy of MRI in comparison with X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). Four cases with stenosis or/and obstruction of the airway caused by the head and neck tumors were presented. Characteristic findings of MRI in these cases were discussed.
Multiplanar information from MRI, especially from coronal and sagittal sections, made it easier to determine the type and extent of the lesion. MRI was found to be superior to X-ray CT in the point of tumor contrast (conspicuity). High signal linear structure which is in the periphery of the tumor offers important information that no adhesion is present.
