Value Of Readout-segmented Echo-planar Diffusion Weighted Imaging In The Diagnosis Of Salivary Gland Neoplasms

Objective:To evaluate the value of 3.0T MRI readout-segmented echo-planar diffusion weighted imaging (RS-EP-DWI) in the diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms. Methods:MRI and DWI of 62 cases with salivary gland tumors confirmed by histopathology were analyzed retrospectively. The ADC values of the tumors were measured and analyzed. Results:The mean ADC value of pleomorphic adenoma was 1.66×10-3s/mm2,Warthin tumor was 0.76×10-3s/mm2, myoepithelial adenoma was 1.51×10-3s/mm2,basal cell adenoma was 1.25×10-3s/mm2, oncocytoma was 1.45x×10-3s/mm2, benign tumors were 1.37×10-3s/mm2,and benign tumors without Warthin tumor were 1.60×10-3s/mm2. The mean ADC value of mucoepidermoid carcinoma was 0.9×10-3s/mm2, adenoid cystic carcinoma was 1.09x×10-3s/mm2, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was 1.14×10-3s/mm2, adenocarcinoma was 1.00×10-3s/mm2,lymphoma was 0.63×10-3s/mm2,and malignant tumors were 0.91×10-3s/mm2. Significant difference in ADC value was found in benign and malignant tumors (p<0.01). The ADC value of Warthin tumor was significantly lower than pleomorphic adenoma and myoepithelial adenoma (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between Warthin tumors and malignant tumors (p=0.39), and between pleomorphic adenoma and myoepithelial adenoma (p=0.47). The ADC value of Warthin tumor was lowest of benign tumors, and lymphoma was lowest of malignant tumors, there was no significant difference between Warthin tumor and lymphoma. Conclusion: RS-EP-DWI is important and valuable for the diagnosis of common salivary tumors.