Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the nasopharynx

Various radiological techniques are used for the evaluation of nasopharyngeal lesions--conventional lateral and base projections, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiography. Owing to its multiplanar imaging capability, MRI is the optimal modality for investigation of the anatomy and demonstration of the pathology. Gadolinium-DTPA enhancement helps to delineate the lesions and their extension, especially into the intracranial cavity; however, since fat and bone marrow enhance prominently, MR fat suppression technique should be utilized in certain cases. A detailed description is given of the clinical and radiological (CT, MRI) features of the different benign (adenoid tissue hypertrophy, Thornwaldt cyst, juvenile angiofibroma) and malignant diseases, 80% of which are squamous cell carcinomas.