Ultra-high frequency ultrasound in oral and maxillofacial imaging

Abstract

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) is the most significant technological advance in oral and maxillofacial diagnostic imaging since the introduction of intraoral ultrasonography. At present, there are few devices available for clinical use operating at frequencies ranging between 30 and 70 MHz, although dedicated probes have not been introduced yet for specific intraoral use. Operation of intraoral UHFUS devices is quite simple, and UHFUS units are equipped with linear probes and present similar technical parameters compared to conventional ultrasonography. The purpose of this chapter is to detail the fundamentals of UHFUS image acquisition and interpretation to describe the effects of operational parameters on image quality, and to provide the clinician with specific considerations related to the operating principles of UHFUS units. Finally, we provide the description of normal anatomy and of a series of the most frequently encountered pathologic conditions affecting the oral mucosa, in order to facilitate image interpretation of UHFUS scans.