The CT appearance of parotid adenolymphomas (report of 13 cases)

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of CT manifestations of parotid adenolymphomas.Methods:13 patients of parotid adenolymphomas proved by surgery and pathology were collected. The analysis of imaging characteristics included the position, number, shape, size, density and enhancement intensity.Results:In 13 cases of parotid adenolymphomas, 9 cases were found in unilateral side and solitary lesion, 2 cases in unilateral side and muti-lesions; 1 case in bilateral side. 8 cases located in superficial of parotid, 3 cases in superficial and deep of parotid, 1 case in deep lesions, lesions were round or oval, maximun diameter from 1.6 cm to 4.8 cm, average 2.5 cm, homogeneous density 4 cases and inhomogeneous 8 cases, cystic degeneration 3 cases. Lesions showed homogeneous enhancement except the area of cystic parts. Conclusion:Adenolymphomas of the parotid should be first considered when the male patient over 50 years has lesions located in the posterior and inferior quadrant and with well defined margin, homogeneous density or inhomogeneous, especially earlier period obviously enhancement in part of lesions.