Value of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-lymphomas in the parotid gland: A case report and review of the literature

The present study aimed to review the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging features of eight mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-lymphoma cases of the parotid gland and to explore the diagnostic value of MDCT. A total of eight patients with pathologically confirmed MALT-lymphomas of the parotid gland underwent pre-operative MDCT plain and dual-phase scans. The changes in the CT values and enhancement patterns of the tumors were assessed. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine the CT value changes of the tumors in the various enhanced phases compared with the plain scan. The MALT-lymphomas of the parotid gland exhibited even density isodense or hyperdense nodules, with occasional calcification and necrosis. The dual-phase scan of the MALT-lymphomas revealed a pattern of lower or moderate enhancement, circumambient enhancement or delayed enhancement. The MALT-lymphomas were closely associated with Sjogre's syndrome and demonstrated malignant features and isodense or hyperdense nodules and lower or moderate enhancement on the CT scans.