Postoperative maxillary cysts: magnetic resonance imaging compared with computerized tomography.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to investigate magnetic resonance (MR) and computerized tomography (CT) images and compare MR and CT image features of postoperative maxillary cysts (POMC).

STUDY

DESIGN

We retrospectively evaluated MR and CT images of 7 POMC patients. Number of the cysts, border, bone expansion, CT value, signal intensity, and contrast enhancement were observed.

RESULTS

On CT images, 15 cysts were detected. Fourteen cysts showed smooth border. Bone expansion was found in 10 cysts. Mean CT value of each cyst ranged from 23 to 50 Hounsfield units. On MR images, 18 cysts were detected. Twelve cysts showed smooth border. Bone expansion was not observed. Most cysts showed intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and high or nonhomogeneous intermediate/high signal intensity on T2-weighted images with the fat suppression technique. No cyst showed contrast enhancement in both examinations.

CONCLUSION

The CT images revealed bony information, and the MR images clearly demonstrated border of POMC. POMC should be evaluated with both CT and MR imaging.