Characterization of maxillofacial soft tissue vascular anomalies by ultrasound and color Doppler imaging: an adjuvant to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: The special imaging and physical properties of ultrasound and color Doppler offer opportunity for continued investigation in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study prospectively investigated ultrasound and color Doppler in addition to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the characterization of several vascular or suspected vascular anomalies and assesses the value of ultrasound and color Doppler in their diagnoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients with vascular or suspected vascular anomalies seen between 1997 and 1999 composed the study group. All patients were clinically evaluated, imaged by CT with contrast and/or MRI with contrast, ultrasound, and Doppler (including color, spectral, and power). Ultrasound studies were performed in the presence of the referring oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide consultation on anatomy and differential diagnosis as well as to witness the dynamic study. Three patients were further studied by angiography. The Mulliken/Glowacki classification (Plast Reconstr Surg 69:412, 1982) and designations and the Jackson et al modification (Plast Reconstr Surg 91:1216, 1993) are used in this study.

RESULTS: A spectrum of lesions emerged in this small case series. Detailed clinical and imaging findings and a summary of diagnostic impressions allowed general and specific observations and permitted assessment of the value of ultrasound and color Doppler in the diagnosis of these lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and Doppler was equal to or better than that of CT and/or MRI in 4 of 6 cases. In the other 2 cases ultrasound did not specifically diagnose the lesions but did allow assessment of vascularity. In one of these cases the correct diagnosis was made by a combination of CT and angiography, and in the other the diagnosis was made by nonenhanced MRI. An ancillary study showed that the combination of nonenhanced MRI with ultrasound and Doppler provides more information than contrast-enhanced MRI alone and is more cost effective.

CONCLUSIONS: 1) A single imaging modality is frequently unable to provide sufficient diagnostic information to allow confident clinical management of a vascular malformation. 2) A team approach and conferencing between imaging specialists and clinicians promote better diagnosis and management. 3) Nonenhanced MRI with ultrasound/color Doppler can be substituted for enhanced MRI to provide the best diagnostic information and at reduced cost. 4) Ultrasound/color Doppler is an important adjuvant to CT and MRI in the diagnosis of vascular or suspected vascular anomalies.