DOI: 10.17567/currresdentsci.1614141 ISSN: 2822-2555

The Comparison of Various Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences for the Early Morphological and Degenerative Changes in the Articular Disc of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review

Aparna Sivakumar, Anuradha Ganesan, Krithika Chandrasekar Lakshmi, Swathi K V, Yesoda Aniyan
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Objective: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for the imaging the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disc. Ultra-structural changes in the disc occur even before the morphological changes, which can be assessed by various MRI sequences. This systematic review aimed to compare and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of various MRI sequences for detecting TMJ dysfunction.Methods: In this search strategy, we employed PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. Articles from the last decade were included in the search. The search yielded 48 papers. However, only 10 papers met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. The potential for bias in the included studies was evaluated.Results: Various MRI sequences have been discussed in this review. Among themT2 mapping sequence uses T2 transverse relaxation time ranging from 39.284 ±5.634 ms to 30.982 ±3.205 ms in the control and the patient groups. dGEMRIC is the T1 mapping sequence assess glycosaminoglycans in the connective tissues. The mean T1 values in the post-contrast patient group and control group were 326.3ms and 441.9ms, respectively.Conclusion: Among the various imaging sequences evaluated in this systematic review, T2 mapping and dGEMRIC emerge as powerful tools for the quantitative evaluation and early identification of cartilage degeneration within the articular disc of the TMJ. Implementing these MRI sequences as a routine diagnostic protocol in symptomatic young adults may allow clinicians to detect degenerative abnormalities at a reversible stage, guiding appropriate and timely interventions to help terminate disease progression.Keywords: Articular disc, temporomandibular joint, derangement, magnetic resonance imaging, sequences.

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