The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is considered a bicondylar diarthrosis type joint. Imaging evaluation is a fundamental part of its assessment, which should include both bony and soft tissue characteristics and the relationship between them. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents the gold standard for the study of soft tissues; however, up to now, its main application continues to be the visualization of the articular disc. For this reason, the present article aimed to point out the information available in the literature regarding the visualization of the joint capsule in MRI and to evaluate it as an independent structure.

Objective: to determine the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance hysterosalpingography (HSG-MRI), using laparoscopy as the reference method. Materials and methods: 22 patients were included. All underwent HSG-MRI with a 1.5 Tesla resonator and then laparoscopy with chromotubation. Two radiologists examined the MRIs, determining tubal patency by consensus. Descriptive and diagnostic performance analyses were performed. Results: HSG-MRI had a success rate of 91%. Study duration was 49 ± 15 minutes, volume injected 26 ± 16 cm³ and pain scale 30 ± 19 out of 100. Sensitivity and specificity of HSG-MRI were 100% for global and left Cotte test, and 25% and 93.3% for right Cotte test, respectively. There were 2 minor complications and no major complications. Discussion: our initial results demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Although other studies analyzed the ability of HSG-MRI to assess tubal patency with good results, the use of a flawed reference standard left room for reasonable doubt, preventing a recommendation based on solid evidence. However, when comparing our results with those published, we observed a high degree of concordance insofar as the positive effusion is correctly diagnosed with a specificity of 100% or with a percentage close to this figure.

Problem: in recent years, new studies have been published on biological effects of strong static magnetic fields and on thermal effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields as used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Many of these studies have not yet been incorporated into current safety recommendations. Method: scientific publications from 2010 onwards on the biological effects of static and electromagnetic fields of MRI were searched and evaluated. Results: new studies confirm older work that has already described effects of static magnetic fields on sensory organs and the central nervous system accompanied by sensory perception. A new result is the direct effect of Lorentz forces on ionic currents in the semicircular canals of the vestibular organ. Recent studies on thermal effects of radiofrequency fields focused on the development of anatomically realistic body models and more accurate simulation of exposure scenarios. Recommendation for practice: strong static magnetic fields can cause unpleasant perceptions, especially dizziness. In addition, they can impair the performance of the medical personnel and thus potentially endanger patient safety. As a precaution, medical personnel should move slowly in the field gradient. High-frequency electromagnetic fields cause tissues and organs to heat up in patients. This must be taken into account in particular for patients with impaired thermoregulation as well as for pregnant women and newborns; exposure in these cases must be kept as low as possible.