Ahmed A Abdel Razek MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Galal Elhawarey, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yousef Shabana, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adel Albadrawey, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hosam Elwakeal, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mohammed Tharwat, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the role of diffusion weighted MR imaging in parotid masses.

This study included 48 patients (23M, 20F aged 10-72 ys: mean 47ys) with parotid mass. They underwent routine pre & post contrast MR imaging and diffusion MR weighted imaging on a 1.5tesla MR unit (Symphony-Siemens). Diffusion MR imaging was done using spin echo type of single shot echo planar imaging (EPI) with a diffusion-weighted factor, factor b of 0,500 & 1000 sec/mm2. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map was reconstructed. The signal intensity was visually assessed on ADC maps and ADC value was measured in parotid lesion. The mean ADC values correlated with histopathological results.

Adequate ADC maps were obtained in 45 patients. The mean ADC values were 2.82±0.13X 10-3 mm2/sec in the cystic lesions, 1.59±0.08X 10-3 mm2/sec in inflammatory lesions, 1.51±0.18X 10-3 mm2/sec in auto-immune diseases, 1.47±0.18X 10-3 mm2/sec in benign tumor, 0.89±0.12X 10-3 mm2/sec in malignant tumors and 1.67±0.17X 10-3 mm2/sec in post radiation. The mean ADC value of the malignant tumor was significanllty different than that of benign parotid tumors (P<0.004), inflammatory lesions (P<0.003) & post radiation changes (P<0.002).

Diffusion weighted MR imaging is a new imaging modality for differentiation malignant from benign parotid tumors. Also, it can be used for characterization of parotid masses.

Abdel Razek, A, Elhawarey, G, Shabana, Y, Albadrawey, A, Elwakeal, H, Tharwat, M, Role of Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging in Parotid Masses.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4403006.html