Takanori Ishimaru

MR imaging of the temporomandibular joint: A validation experiment in vitro

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The authors compared magnetic resonance (MR) image quality obtained from 3- and 1-mm-thick sections in the depiction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its adjacent structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight TMJ specimens from four adult cadaver heads were depicted with MR imaging. Both 3- and 1-mm-thick sections were generated. One oral and maxillofacial radiologist, who was blinded to section thickness, evaluated the anatomic details of the images. Subsequently, the joints were surgically explored by two oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and the physical findings were recorded. RESULTS Some statistically significant differences were found between the physical findings and the 3-mm-thick section images, while no significant differences were found with the 1-mm-thick sections. CONCLUSION The TMJ and its adjacent structures were better depicted by thinner MR images.

CyberKnife After Failed Conventional Therapy for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Report of 2 Patients

Abstract CyberKnife® is a stereotactic radiosurgery system used to treat solid tumours. Two patients with inoperable oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with CyberKnife are presented in this report. A 64-year-old woman with extensive invasion of the primary tumour received superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy, followed by CyberKnife, and obtained a complete response. A 75-year-old man with recurrent tumour in the base of the skull after surgery underwent CyberKnife, but did not achieve a good response. The total dose of irradiation for each patient was more than 100 Gy by way of even fractionated irradiation of 2 Gy/fraction, and there was no evidence of severe damage to the adjacent normal tissues. Although CyberKnife is not a candidate for first choice treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma, it may be a good option for rescue after failed conventional therapies.