Multi-phasic CT versus dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in characterization of parotid gland tumors

Abstract Objective Salivary gland tumors are challenging as regards preoperative diagnosis. The aim of our study was to highlight the value of multiphasic CT and contrast enhanced dynamic MRI in characterization of benign and malignant parotid tumors as well as to compare diagnostic accuracy of both modalities. Patients and methods Study group included 45 patients (54 lesions), 26 males and 19 females, their age ranged from 24 to 78 years. All patients underwent both CT and MRI examinations. Time intensity (or attenuation) curve for each lesion is analyzed and compared with the final post-operative pathology. Results Type of the curve on dynamic contrast enhanced MRI had high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, negative predictive values and accuracy in characterization of benign and malignant parotid tumors (94.4%, 97.2%, 94.4%, 97.2%, and 96.3% respectively). Also, curve analysis on multiphasic CT revealed similar high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, negative predictive values and accuracy as compared to DCE-MRI (92.6%, 96.3%, 92.6%, 96.3%, and 95.1% respectively). Conclusion Both dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and multiphasic CT have comparable high accuracy in characterizing the different histological types of parotid gland tumors.