What Researchers Did
Researchers used dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging to assess the vascularity of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in 10 patients, comparing findings with 6 irradiated controls and re-evaluating 9 ORN patients after hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
What They Found
Radiation alone did not increase contrast enhancement, but all 10 patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) showed marked contrast enhancement in the affected bone marrow. Following hyperbaric oxygen treatment, 7 of 9 ORN patients exhibited a reduced rate of enhancement, though pathological contrast was still present, suggesting an increased and patent microvasculature.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging may offer a valuable tool for diagnosing and understanding the vascular changes in osteoradionecrosis. This could potentially help Canadian patients by providing a more objective way to assess the condition and monitor treatment responses, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is the small sample size of patients investigated.