MR of intraparotid masses.
OBJECTIVE
To determine which MR techniques are best for identifying intraparotid masses and to assess the utility of MR for predicting specific diagnosis.


METHODS
A retrospective review of 31 intraparotid masses was performed. Lesion conspicuity and signal intensity characteristics were evaluated by objectively measured regions of interest and by subjective visual review.


RESULTS
The T1-weighted images produced the highest lesion conspicuity in 25 of 31 masses. All the masses were easily detected as hypointense lesions on the T1-weighted scans with good or excellent conspicuity; on the T2-weighted images nine lesions appeared isointense to the normal parotid tissue, including six malignancies. Gadolinium-enhanced images were not helpful for identifying the intraparotid masses. Warthin tumors and malignancies tended to be hypointense or low in conspicuity on T2-weighted images.


CONCLUSIONS
The T1-weighted images were best for detecting parotid masses. The T2-weighted images may help in limiting a differential diagnosis, but a specific diagnosis cannot be made without biopsy.
Schlakman
B N
BN
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Yousem
D M
DM
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA