Magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity in the characterization of odontogenic lesions: a systematic review

Odontogenic lesions content can be differed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity (SI). Objective: This systematic literature review addresses the use of MRI SI for the characterization and differentiation of maxillomandibular odontogenic lesions. Material and methods: Databases were searched for original research studies up to August 2023. The following keywords were used: “magnetic resonance imaging” combined with “maxillofacial pathology,” “oral pathology,” “odontogenic tumors,” “dental tissue neoplasms,” and “odontogenic cysts,” as well as the histologic denomination of benign odontogenic lesions according to the World Health Organization classification. No language restrictions were applied. Results: Sixteen investigations were identified regarding distinct odontogenic lesions such as ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and dentigerous cysts. Researchers used various terminologies to describe SI, which influenced the findings of the review. Conclusion: MRI SI can be useful in the differentiation of multicystic ameloblastomas from other odontogenic lesions; notably, multicystic ameloblastomas exhibit heterogeneous SI in T2-weighted images, such that cystic components exhibit higher SI compared with solid content. Dentigerous cysts exhibit high SI in T2-weighted images, while OKCs eventually exhibit lower SI. The terminology used for description of SI is heterogeneous and requires standardization to improve communication among researchers and clinicians. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021276536.