A case of cystadenocarcinoma of the ectopic salivary gland: comparison of pre-operative ultrasound, CT and MR images with the pathological specimen

Cystadenocarcinoma is a rare salivary gland tumour. Only a few case studies have provided pre-operative images of these tumours. This report demonstrates the case of a 28-year-old male with cystadenocarcinoma arising from an ectopic salivary gland with lymph node metastasis in the right upper neck. Ultrasound including Doppler images showed two masses with scant vascular flow. One was a hyperechoic mass enclosed within a low echoic cystic lesion and the other was a solid hypoechoic mass. Contrast enhancement CT scans demonstrated a ring enhanced mass and weakly homogeneous enhanced masses in the right upper neck. Dynamic studies showed increased enhancement in delayed phase CT that was the same as that in other malignant salivary gland tumours. Moderate to slightly high signal intensity was seen on T(1) weighted MR images and axial T(2) weighted MR images showed one heterogeneous mass in a high signal lesion and a moderate to high signal intensity mass. The authors discuss the pre-operative findings of ultrasound with Doppler imaging of this neoplasm, and CT findings including dynamic study images and MRI, comparing the findings with the post-operative pathological features of the tumour.     

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of sublingual gland involving the submandibular duct

We report an unusual case of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) arising in the sublingual gland and extending into the submandibular duct. Our article mainly describes the MR findings. The margin of the mass was well-defined and the mass was divided into two parts - anterior and posterior. The anterior part of the mass showed isointense to surrounding muscle on T(1) weighted images and hyperintense on fat-saturated T(2) weighted images. The posterior part of the mass showed hyperintense both on T(1) weighted and fat-saturated T(2) weighted images. The findings indicated that the cystic space of the posterior part was filled with tumour mass which extended from the anterior part. ACC of the sublingual gland extending into the submandibular duct is rare and the MR findings have not been previously described in the literature.     

Benign Schwannoma of the Thumb; a diagnostic challenge

Benign Schwannomas are one of the less frequently encountered soft tissue tumours of the hand. We report an interesting case of an 80-year-old gentleman with a painful soft tissue swelling on the radial aspect of his thumb. Ultrasound revealed a well-defined lesion separate from bone and tendon, with mixed echogenicity and moderate internal vascularity. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 15 × 10 × 23mm lesion with low signal on T1 and high signal on T2. Following surgical excision, histology confirmed benign schwannoma.     

MRI appearance of primary giant ovarian leiomyoma in a hysterectomised woman

Primary leiomyoma is a rare, benign tumour of the ovary. We describe the MRI features of an ovarian leiomyoma identified in a 51-year-old woman after hysterectomy. The tumour appeared as a well-circumscribed low signal intensity mass on T(1) weighted imaging, with mixed signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging. Areas of high signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging corresponded to degeneration of leiomyoma. Dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging revealed early enhancement of the lesion. MRI appearance was thus similar to that of uterine leiomyoma. This case suggests the potential usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for the diagnosis of ovarian leiomyoma.     

MRI of chronic sclerosing sialoadenitis

The purpose of our study was to describe the MR appearance of Kuttner's tumours and to interpret their differences in appearance from other submandibular gland tumours. MR studies of 7 Kuttner's, 8 malignant and 12 benign submandibular gland tumours were reviewed. MR sequences obtained included T(1) weighted, short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR), T(2) weighted, diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR (dynamic MR) images. In all cases of Kuttner's tumour, the affected submandibular glands were swollen with slightly higher intensity on T(2) weighted, STIR and DW images, but the tumour margin could not be defined. Conversely, the margins of the other tumours could be detected. On T(2) weighted, STIR and DW images, the mean signal intensity ratios and the mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for Kuttner's tumours and malignant tumours were significantly lower than those of benign tumours, but there were no significant differences between those of Kuttner's tumours and those of malignant tumours. All benign tumours showed late enhancement, with peak enhancement later than 120 s on dynamic MR images. Kuttner's tumours and malignant tumours showed variable enhancement patterns. In conclusion, signal intensity ratios for T(2) weighted and STIR images, ADC values and patterns of enhancement may help distinguish Kuttner's tumours from benign submandibular gland tumours, but not from malignant tumours. Although the intensities, ADC values and enhanced patterns of Kuttner's tumours were similar to those of malignant tumours, there were some morphological differences.     

不典型神经鞘瘤的影像学诊断

目的 探讨不典型神经鞘瘤的临床影像学表现特点。方法 回顾分析44例经病理学诊断的不典型神经鞘瘤的CT和MRI表现。结果 CT表现为类圆形或分叶状低密度或等低混杂密度灶,绝大多数（38/40）边界清楚,其中实性肿瘤17例,囊实性病灶19例,单纯囊性病灶4例。CT增强扫描肿瘤实质呈渐进性不均匀强化。囊性病灶内存在强化程度不一的结节灶可能是囊实性神经鞘瘤较为特征性的表现。实性病灶呈＂同心圆样＂强化可能是实性神经鞘瘤比较有价值的征象。MRI上肿瘤实质部分呈稍长T1稍长T2信号,囊性部分呈长T1长T2信号,病灶周围可见水肿信号;＂靶征＂是特征性的MRI表现。结论 不典型神经鞘瘤可发生在身体任何部位,熟悉其影像学特点对诊断很有帮助。     

MR of the submandibular gland: normal and pathologic states.

PURPOSETo evaluate the MR appearance of normal and pathologic states of the submandibular gland.METHODSMR images of 22 healthy subjects and 21 patients with histopathologically confirmed disorders of the submandibular gland (five pleomorphic adenomas, two hemangiomas, two malignant lymphomas, one adenoid cystic carcinoma, one squamous cell carcinoma, and 10 cases of sialadenitis) were reviewed.RESULTSAll normal submandibular glands showed higher signal intensity than surrounding muscle but lower intensity than fat on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Postcontrast images showed moderate enhancement of the gland. All the tumors had lower signal intensity than the normal submandibular gland on T1-weighted images and had intermediate to high (n = 8) or high (n = 3) signal intensity relative to the normal submandibular gland on T2-weighted images. Six of seven benign tumors were well defined, and three of four malignant tumors were poorly defined. In all cases of sialadenitis, the submandibular gland showed diffusely different signal intensities from the normal gland on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Eight cases of chronic sialadenitis showed lower T2-weighted signal intensities than the normal gland, and this can be explained histopathologically by marked fibrosis and cellular infiltration.CONCLUSIONSMR imaging can show the presence, extent, margins, and signal intensity changes of pathologic conditions of the submandibular gland.     

多层螺旋CT与MRI在嗜铬细胞瘤诊断中的价值

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT与MRI在嗜铬细胞瘤诊断中的价值.方法 经手术证实、同时具备CT和MRI影像资料的嗜铬细胞瘤患者25例,对所有患者分别行多层螺旋CT和MRI检查,其中MRI检查包括常规T1加权成像、T2加权成像、梯度回波反相位或钆-二亚乙基三胺五乙酸增强T1加权成像.对20例患者行螺旋CT增强动脉期、静脉期及延迟...     

Neuroradiological findings of intracranial schwannomas not arising from the stems of cranial nerves

Four cases of intracranial schwannomas not arising from the stems of cranial nerves are reported. All cases were confirmed by surgery and pathological examination. The related histogenesis and the CT and MRI findings are discussed, and the literature is reviewed. The CT and MRI findings of these tumours were analysed retrospectively and their pathological characteristics were reviewed. The tumours presented as heterogeneous hypointense to isointense mixed dense lesions with multiple areas of cystic degeneration and necrosis. Extensive cystic degeneration was the prominent characteristic on CT. The tumours showed hypointense to isointense signal on T(1) weighted images and heterogeneous hyperintense signal on T(2) weighted images. On contrast enhanced CT and MRI, the solid component and the wall of the tumours showed moderate to strong enhancement. Haematoxylin and eosin staining of the lesion demonstrated two histological patterns, Antoni type A and Antoni type B. Immunostaining showed intense immunoreactivity for S-100 protein. The CT and MRI findings of these tumours were similar to those of schwannomas arising from cranial nerves, although the former show a higher rate of cystic degeneration. Therefore, even when a mass is not in the usual cranial nerve region, if its imaging characteristics are similar to those of common schwannomas, the possibility of a schwannoma not arising from cranial nerve should be considered.     

Imaging identifies submandibular ectopic thyroid tissue

The identification of submandibular ectopic normal thyroid in the lateral neck with a coexisting normally located and functional thyroid gland is rare. Ectopic normal thyroid tissue in the midline location is most commonly related to aberrant migration along the thyroglossal duct (ie, lingual thyroid). A 54-year-old man with a 6-month history of visible asymptomatic swelling in the right submandibular region had ultrasonography and Tc-99m pertechnetate imaging.     

Milk of calcium in a renal cyst: a case report

Milk of calcium in a renal cyst is a rare condition. The authors report a case evaluated by ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 58 year - old women presented with diffuse abdominal pain. Ultrasonography showed a left upper pole cystic lesion with echogenic component in the dependent portion causing shadowing. CT showed a cyst with layering milk of calcium. On MRI, the milk of calcium sediment had low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images.     

CT and MRI findings of intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible: a case report

We report the radiographical findings of a rare case of intraosseous schwannoma of the mandible. The tumour that presented as a unilocular, well-defined, radiolucent lesion on plain radiography was located in the molar region. On CT, the tumour was a well-demarcated mass with no periosteal reaction and no destruction of the bone cortex. Destructive changes in the cortical wall of the mandibular canal by the tumour were observed on CT, but no evidence of dilatation and shift in the inferior mandibular canal was seen. MR imaging revealed that the mandibular canal was encased by the tumour as a solid mass without cystic parts. The signal intensity of the tumour was non-specific on MRI. Characteristics of intraosseous schwannoma in the mandible are the encasement of the canal by a well-demarcated tumour without periosteal reaction and the destruction of mandibular bone cortex. The destructive change of the inferior mandibular canal can be observed on CT and MRI. However, a biopsy is necessary to make the final diagnosis because of the non-specificity of the findings.     

CT and MR findings of basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland

We report a case of basal cell adenoma in the left parotid gland. A 34-year-old woman presented with a non-tender mass in the left parotid gland. She had first noted it 7- years previously, and it had been gradually increasing in size. The tumor was well-circumscribed with a smooth contour. On noncontrast-enhanced CT, the tumor showed homogeneous soft tissue attenuation. No cystic portion or calcification was seen. The tumor showed homogeneous moderate enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT. Capsule-like ring enhancement was demonstrated. On T1-weighted MR imaging, the tumor was homogeneously hypointense to the surrounding parotid tissue and isointense to muscle. On T2-weighted imaging the tumor was homogeneously hyperintense to muscle but slightly hypointense to the surrounding parotid tissue. On Gd-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, the tumor demonstrated homogeneous moderate enhancement. Capsule-like ring enhancement was also demonstrated. Salivary (technetium-99m-pertechnetate) scintigraphy did not show any uptake in the tumor.     

Ectopic goiter masquerading as submandibular gland swelling: a case report and review of the literature

Ectopic thyroid glands generally occur in the midline as a result of abnormal median migration, and their presence lateral to the midline is rare. A 12-year-old boy had a swelling in the left submandibular region that imaging techniques showed to be an ectopic thyroid gland, although no thyroid tissue was seen in the normal location. Only eight cases of lateral aberrant thyroid tissue have been reported. The importance of being aware of the possibility of ectopic thyroid tissue as a submandibular region swelling has an important bearing on disease management. A pertinent review of the literature and its management is included.     

头颈部腺样囊性癌的CT、MRI诊断

目的 探讨CT、MR1对头颈部腺样囊性癌的诊断价值.方法 回顾性分析20例经病理证实的头颈部腺样囊性癌的临床及CT、MRI资料.结果 病变发生于上腭者5例,口底4例,腮腺4例,鼻腔及上颌窦3例,颌下腺2例,泪腺及面颊部各1例.CT表现为类圆形或不规则形的软组织肿块,增强后不均匀强化,侵犯邻近骨质3例.MRI平扫病灶呈等或稍长T1信号,长T2信号,增强后病灶明显不均匀强化,2例可见神经侵犯征象.结论 CT对肿瘤周围骨质破坏情况显示较好,MR1能够更清晰显示病变形态、轮廓及侵犯范围.两者结合可为该病的诊断和治疗提供更全面的影像信息.     

IgG4相关疾病的影像特征及疗效监测

目的：探讨IgG4相关疾病的影像学特征及激素治疗后疗效的评估。方法收集13例经病理证实的IgG4相关疾病的影像资料,均行CT检查,其中5例同时行MR检查,6例患者有治疗前及治疗后3~6月的完整影像资料。分析病灶的形态、分布、影像特征以及治疗后影像变化。结果13例中1例病灶位于泪腺,1例位于颌下腺,1例位于胆道,3例位于胰腺,4例位于肾脏,2例位于腹膜后,1例位于肺。其中2例病变累及多部位,包括腹膜后、胰腺及肾脏等。所有受累脏器呈弥漫性肿胀或局部软组织肿块,CT平扫呈低密度,T2WI上呈低信号,增强后轻度均匀性强化。6例患者经激素治疗后病灶缩小,T2WI信号有增高表现。结论受累脏器肿胀,CT平扫低密度以及T2WI低信号,轻度均匀强化是IgG4相关疾病的影像学特征,CT及MR在疾病的诊断及激素治疗后疗效的评估方面具有重要的临床应用价值。     

Computed tomography and ultrasonography in submandibular tumours.

The value of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) for assessing submandibular tumours has been assessed. Thirty-five patients with 23 benign submandibular gland tumours and 12 malignant tumours have been investigated. In 33/35 patients, 18 plain CT (PCT), 19 CT sialography (CTS), and eight intravenous contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) procedures were performed. PCT did not allow clear delineation of 78% of the lesions, due to the similar density of the tumour and normal submandibular gland parenchyma. The tumours were easily recognized as low-echogenic or low-density masses by US, CTS and CECT. Benign lesions were usually sharply demarcated and had smooth borders on US, CTS and CECT. In addition, lobulation was often recognized in pleomorphic adenomas. Malignant tumours were poorly defined with irregular borders in 11/12 cases on US, CTS and CECT. CECT was superior to PCT and CTS in providing images of the tumour and its involvement of adjacent structures. It was concluded that US is the most useful primary examination method for submandibular tumours, while CECT provides the best evaluation of extension to the surrounding structures and/or adjacent lymph nodes. CTS seems to be unnecessary, if a submandibular tumour can be visualized by US and CECT.     

The lingual lymph node identified as a sentinel node on CT lymphography in a patient with cN0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

We performed CT lymphography on an 81-year-old female patient with a histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue with no clinical or radiological evidence of cervical lymph node involvement. The lateral lingual lymph node was identified as a sentinel node, which is the first lymph node to receive drainage from a primary tumour. CT lymphography also showed draining lymphatics passing through the sublingual space, the medial side of the submandibular gland and near the hyoid bone and connected with the middle internal jugular node. Although metastasis to the lateral lingual lymph node is known as one of the crucial events in determining survival outcome in cancer of the tongue and floor of the mouth, very few reports are available on the imaging of the lateral lingual lymph node metastasis. This is the first report regarding the lateral lingual lymph node identified as a sentinel node demonstrated on CT lymphography.     

颅内神经元肿瘤的影像诊断

目的 探讨颅内神经元肿瘤的影像学表现,评价CT和MRI对该类肿瘤的诊断价值。方法 经手术不病理证实的神经元肿瘤10例,回顾分析其CT及MRI表现,结果 节细胞胶质瘤3例;中枢神经细胞瘤3例;胚胎发育不良性神经上上皮肿瘤（DNT）3例（7个病灶）,肿瘤外形呈脑回状或结节脑回状,2个局灶性者呈中度强化,其余无明显强化。多纤维组织性婴儿节细胞胶质瘤（DIG）1例,病灶囊变明显,可见钙化,肿瘤实体明显均匀强化,结论 部分神经元肿瘤CT及MRI表现具有一定的特征性,但仅造影像学表现作出诊断是困难的,须结合临床资料,可进一步提高该类肿瘤的诊断正确率。     

Schwannoma in the sublingual space

In this report, we present CT and MRI findings of a case of a schwannoma that developed in the floor of the oral cavity. A 49-year-old woman visited our hospital with a painless swelling in the oral floor. CT and MRI revealed a well circumscribed oval mass in the sublingual space, which showed cystic degeneration in most of the lesion. In addition, a thickened wall that strongly enhanced after injection of contrast medium and formation of fluid level were observed in the mass. The mass was removed and was histopathologically diagnosed as schwannoma. Only a few cases of schwannoma in the oral floor have been reported. However, when the characteristic findings are observed on CT and MRI, schwannoma should be added to the differential diagnosis.