CT Diagnosis of Parotid Adenolymphomas

Objective:To investigate the CT and clinical manifestations of adenolymphomas of the parotid gland.Methods:The CT characteristics of 12 cases with operation and pathology confirmed adenolymphoma were studied retrospectively.The size、number、shape、location and density of the tumor were the main parameters studied.Results:All of the 12 cases were male.Totally 21 lesions were found,with solitary lesion in 7 cases,multiple lesions in 5 cases.Multiple synchronous adenolymphomas within bilateral parotid glands were found in 3 patients.13 lesions(61.9%)were located in the posterior and inferior quadrant of the parotid gland.CT findings were round、oval or lobulated,well-defined soft tissue mass,with homogeneous(12/21)or inhomogeneous attenuation,the CT value of the solid part of lesions increased 10~65HU after contrast administration;13(61.9%)lesions showed small vessels penetrating through or surrounding the mass.Conclusion:Adenolymphoma of the parotid gland should be firstly considered when a male patient with the age over 50 years showing well-defined mass lesion(or lesions)located in the posterior-inferior quadrant of parotid gland;the CT value markedly increased after contrast administration;especially when multiple lesions and/or small vessels penetrating through or surrounding the lesion.