Visualization of Peripheral Blood Vessels on the Lingual Aspect of the Mandible Using a Balanced Steady-State Free-Precession Sequence with a Time–Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse: Usefulness for Prevention of Severe Complications of Dental Implantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a balanced steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequence with a time–spatial labeling inversion pulse (time–SLIP) without contrast medium could elucidate branches of the lingual and facial arteries on the lingual aspect of the mandible as a potential technique for preventing severe complications in dental implantation surgery. In this study, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using SSFP with a time–SLIP was evaluated in 40 subjects. The outline and course of branches of the lingual and facial arteries near the mandible were assessed clinically in the same subjects against contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images as the gold standard. The submental, sublingual, and deep lingual arteries could be visualized via MRA in 16, 20, and 16 of the 40 subjects, respectively. The major axes of the respective arteries were approximately 24, 24, and 16 mm. The outline and course of all visualized arteries coincided with those on CT. MRA using SSFP with a time–SLIP appears to have potential as a non-contrast technique for visualizing branches of the lingual and facial arteries on the lingual aspect of the mandible. Information regarding the outline and course of these arteries as obtained using this MRA technique could assist in preventing severe complications in dental implantation surgery.