Dynamic multislice computed tomography findings for parotid gland tumors

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.

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.

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.

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.