Multiphase contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging features of salivary duct carcinoma: differentiation from other salivary gland malignancies

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging features of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) with multiphase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and to compare them with those of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and acinic cell carcinoma. Study Design. A total of 63 patients with histologically diagnosed salivary gland malignancies underwent preoperative multiphase CECT. Clinical information, location, size, mass pattern, enhancement pattern, borders, invasion of adjacent tissues, and lymph node metastasis were evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) number attenuation patterns were calculated. Results. SDCs were significantly more common in males and in the parotid gland (P <= .018). They were more likely to invade into adjacent tissues and metastasize to lymph nodes (P <= .032). Six SDCs (66.7%) had comedonecrosis, as detected on histopathologic examination, and 3 lesions presented cribriform necrosis on CECT. CT numbers during delayed-phase scanning were significantly higher in SDC than in ACC (P = .031). Significant differences were discovered between MEC and ACC for CT numbers during arterial-phase scanning ( P = .047) and in the ratio of CT numbers (P = .018). Conclusions. SDC exhibits some specific CT features, and multiphase CECT imaging is useful in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland malignancies.