Head and Neck Imaging

Neuroimaging techniques play a central role in the diagnosis and management of Central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has helped to diagnose and understand disease processes early on. The use of contrast media has improved visualization of normal and abnormal tissues. New developments in contrasat media agents have shown great promise: Goadobutrol, the first one molar paramagnetic contrast agent has shown to be of use in MR angiography and in perfusion of the brain while newer applications such as to the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis are promising. Another product, Gadofosveset (Vasovist®) is an intravascular MRI contrast agent that has shown to be of interest for imaging of vascular pathology as well as brain tumours. These two new MRI contrast media should allow expanding and strengthening the armamentarium at our disposal for the diagnosis and management of CNS diseases.