Michael Carl1, Hatice T. Sanal2, Eric Diaz2, Jiang Du2, Olivier Maciej Girard2, Sheronda Statum2, Richard Znamirowski2, Christine Chung2
1GE Healthcare, Applied Science Lab, Milwaukee, WI, USA; 2Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
The temporomandibular joint is a unique articulation that demonstrates both structural and functional complexity. These tissues comprised largely of short T2 components are challenging as conventional MR sequences are limited in their ability to detect signal from them, as well as produce contrast between the fibrocartilaginous disc and articular surfaces. In this study, we use a tissue specific algorithm that will optimize contrast based on knowledge of intrinsic MR properties of tissues and Bloch equations dictating signal and contrast. This approach to image optimization could be instrumental in improving diagnostic capabilities in the clinical setting.