The CT diagnosis of adenolymphomas in parotid gland

Objective To discuss the CT findings and clinical characteristics of adenolymphomas in the parotid gland,and elevate the diagnostic accuracy.Methods 11 patients(9 men,2 woman) of parotid adenolymphomas proved by surgery and pathology were collected.The analysis of imaging characteristics included the position,number,shape,size,density.Results In 11 cases adenolymphomas of the parotid gland,solitary lesion was seen in 5 cases and multiple lesions in 6,altogether 20 lesions,13(65%) lesions were located in the posterior and inferior quadrant of the parotid gland.CT findings:lesions were round,oval or lobulated soft tissue mass with well-defined,homogeneous density(n=7),and inhomogeneous density(n=13)with necrosis or cystic formation.Lesions showed early homogeneous enhancement except the area of cystic changes,mostly with moderate enhancement.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,especially lesion is multiple and associated with local necrosis and moderate enhancement after administration of contrast medium.