The diagnostic value of combined dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in characterization of parotid gland tumors

Abstract

Abstract Background MRI is considered to be the imaging modality of choice in preoperative diagnosis of parotid gland tumors and differentiating benign from malignant ones. Recently, functional MR imaging sequences including dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE- MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) have significantly contributed to the diagnosis of head and neck masses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of combined DCE-MRI and DWI in characterization of parotid gland tumors. Results There was significant difference between benign and malignant parotid gland tumors as regard the type of time intensity curve (TIC) (P 0.5); on the other hand, WT usually have high WR when compared with MT (P = 0.004). Combined use of DCE-MRI and DWI had 100% sensitivity, 90.5% specificity, and 93.3% accuracy in differentiating benign from malignant parotid gland tumors. Conclusion Combined use of DCE-MRI and DWI could result in high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy in characterization of parotid gland tumors.

Keywords

• Parotid gland
• MRI
• DWI
• DCE-MRI