Diagnostic value of gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging for parotid gland tumors

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the value of gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging for differentiating benign and malignant parotid gland tumors, and for characterizing the various histological types.

Patients and methods

Non-enhanced T1-weighted (T1-W), fat-suppressed T2-weighted (T2-W), and gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed dynamic T1-weighted images were obtained preoperatively in 27 patients (28 parotid gland tumors), by using a 1.5 or 3 T MR imaging unit (GE, Signa Exite). The tumor margins and the enhancement curve patterns on dynamic MR imaging were analyzed. All patients underwent a parotidectomy with histopathologic analysis.

Results

Pleomorphic adenomas depict a gradual enhancement pattern. Warthin’s tumors depict an early peak of enhancement and a high washout pattern. Malignant tumors depict an early peak of enhancement and a low washout pattern.

Conclusion

Gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging improved the performance of MR imaging in differentiating benign from malignant parotid gland tumors and characterizing the different histological types of benign tumors.