Amide proton transfer imaging of the lesions in the orofacial region - APT imaging of the lesions in the orofacial region

We assessed the usefulness of Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging in differential diagnosis of the head and neck region (n=45). APT ratio (APTR) was defined as magnetization transfer asymmetry at 3.5ppm. The sarcoma had the highest mean APTRs, followed by those of malignant salivary carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, however, the significant differences were found among theses malignant lesions. The mean APTRs of the cysts had wide variety depend on the contend fluid. The benign tumor had also wide variety. Therefore, at present, the APT imaging is considered to be not useful for the differential diagnosis in the head and neck region.