Several issues regarding the diagnostic imaging of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
10.5624/isd.2020.50.4.273
- Author:
Jo-Eun KIM
1
;
Sumin YOO
;
Soon-Chul CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry
2020;50(4):273-279
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This review presents an overview of some diagnostic imaging-related issues regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), including imaging signs that can predict MRONJ in patients taking antiresorptive drugs, the early imaging features of MRONJ, the relationship between the presence or absence of bone exposure and imaging features, and differences in imaging features by stage, between advanced MRONJ and conventional osteomyelitis, between oncologic and osteoporotic patients with MRONJ, and depending on the type of medication, method of administration, and duration of medication. The early diagnosis of MRONJ can be made by the presence of subtle imaging changes such as thickening of the lamina dura or cortical bone, not by the presence of bone exposure. Most of the imaging features are relatively non-specific, and each patient’s clinical findings and history should be referenced. Oral and maxillofacial radiologists and dentists should closely monitor plain radiographs of patients taking antiresorptive/antiangiogenic drugs.
