Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging appearance of tumor originating from the infratemporal fossa

LILin; WANGYong; FENGChao; ZHAOYan-feng; LINMeng; ZHOUChun-wu; LUODe-hong

Abstract：Objective To analyze the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of tumor originating from the infratemporal fossa (ITF) .Methods 20 patients with tumor originating in the ITF confirmed by histopathological examination ,CT and MR appearance were analyzed retrospectively .Results All the tumors origina-ting from the ITF showed irregular shape .5 neurilemmomas had well-defined border (5/6) .On MR imaging ,the tumors were isointense compared to muscle on T1WI while hyperintense with hypointense septum on T2WI .2 tumors extentded to middle cranial fossa through foramen ovale and showed dumbbell-shaped .4 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors had ill-defined border(4/5) .The tumors were isointense on T1 WI while hyperintense on T2 WI .The tumors invaded adjacent muscle and bone .Rhabdomyosarcoma showed isointense on T1WI while hyperintense on T2WI .Solitary fibrous tumor was isointense on T1 WI while slight hyperintense on T2 WI and showed marked enhancement .Adenoid cystic carcinoma grow along the nerve with infiltration .Aggressive pleomorphic adenoma showed iso-or hypointense on T1 WI while heterogene-ous hyperintense on T2WI ,invaded the adjacent muscles .Lymphoma had irregular shape and well-defined border .On MR imaging ,the tumor showed hypointense on T1WI while mild hyperintense on T2WI and slight enhancement .The enhanced vessel could be seen in the tumor .Conclusion The tumors originating from the ITF had their own characteristics .To know well about the characteristics can contribute the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the lesions originating from the IT F .