Accuracy assessment of combined diffusion weighed and dynamic gadolinium MR sequences in characterization of salivary gland tumors

BackgroundThe salivary glandular tumors are challenging as regards preoperative diagnosis and MRI with the use of DWI and DCE are evaluated in accuracy for characterization of salivary masses.MethodsThe study included 53 patients who underwent MRI-DWI and DCE and diagnosis was made by diagnostic scheme of ADC-values and four types of DCE curves.ResultsPleomorphic adenomas had the highest of all ADC values on DWI (⩾1.4 × 10−3 cm2/s), and Warthin tumors had low values (0.6–0.8 × 10−3 cm2/s), while malignant tumors had intermediate values (0.8–1.2 × 10−3 cm2/s). Type A curve predominated the pleomorphic adenomas, type B curve predominated Warthin, and other lymphoid lesions as lymphoma. Type C curve predominated malignant lesions. Statistical analysis showed combination intermediate ADC (in range of 0.8 to <1.4 × 10−3 cm2/s) and type C as useful test of malignancy with high accuracy of 90.5%.ConclusionDWI and dynamic enhancement curves with combined interpretation of both techniques and in view of the concluded values can provide valuable data in characterization of salivary glandular tumors.