A novel black bone magnetic resonance imaging − An alternative to ionizing radiation in oral and maxillofacial imaging

Abstract

Over the decades, potential harmful effects of ionizing radiation continue to be a serious discussion among the researchers. Especially in the field of oral and maxillofacial imaging, the technique to reduce radiation doze to the humans has witnessed substantial advancement. The development of "BLACK BONE magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)" signifies dawn of new era in the head-and-neck imaging of the cortical bone, where this can be used as a replacement for computed tomography which is one of ionizing imaging modality used globally. Black bone MRI is a low flip angle MRI sequence which provides a high image contrast between bone and other tissues but reduces the contrast between the individual soft tissues thus enhancing bone soft-tissue boundary. This MRI sequence will eradicate radiation burden to the patient mainly pediatrics diagnosis and adult screening of benign and malignant lesions affecting the craniofacial region. This article explores this breadth of scientific discovery and its development.

Keywords

• black bone magnetic resonance imaging
• computed tomography
• low flip angle