Dynamic multislice computed tomography findings for parotid gland tumors.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to research the enhancement features of parotid gland masses in detail and characterize if the masses were Warthin tumors, adenomas, or malignant tumors.


METHODS
The prospective study included 25 parotid tumors in 21 patients. Neck computed tomography (CT) was performed using a multislice CT unit. A full-neck CT examination was done at 30 seconds after completion of contrast injection, and then tumor-level images were obtained at 90 seconds and at 5 and 25 minutes. Computed tomography number (lesion density in Hounsfield units) was determined at each phase, and differences within and among tumor groups were statistically analyzed. Diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology.


RESULTS
There were 11 Warthin tumors, 8 pleomorphic adenomas, 5 malignant tumors, and 1 basal cell adenoma. Ten Warthin tumors showed rapid contrast enhancement at 30 seconds and rapid reduction of enhancement from the first to the fourth phase. The basal cell adenoma showed also a peak enhancement at 30 seconds. Seven pleomorphic adenomas showed increased enhancement through the first 3 phases. Four malignant tumors showed peak enhancement at 90 seconds. Statistically significant differences within and among tumor groups were determined.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that peak tumor enhancement at 30 and 90 seconds, respectively, might identify Warthin and malignant tumors. Increased enhancement through all phases might be an indicator for diagnosing pleomorphic adenomas.
Yerli
Hasan
H
Department of Radiology, Baskent University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. hasanyerli@yahoo.com
Aydin
Erdinc
E
Coskun
Mehmet
M
Geyik
Elif
E
Ozluoglu
Levent N
LN
Haberal
Nihan
N
Kaskati
Tolga
T
D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media