CT findings of benign lymphoepithelial lesion of major salivary glands / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the CT findings of benign lymphoepithelial lesion (BLEL) of major salivary glands.Methods The CT findings of 11 cases with BLEL which were clinically and pathologically confirmed were analyzed.The relevant literatures were reviewed.All the patients received plain CT.Among them,5 patients had contrast CT as well.The location,number,shape,margin,density,and enhancement characteristics of the lesions were observed.Results Of 11 BLEL,8 lesions were located in the parotid gland,three in the submandibular gland.There were 7 cases with bilateral multiple lesions,and 4 cases with unilateral solitary lesion.BLEL of major salivary gland could be classified into three types according to the CT findings,including multinodular type,solitary mass type,and diffusely infiltrating type.Multinodular type was the most common type.The typical CT findings of the lesion included diffusely enlargement of bilateral parotids and (or) submandibular glands,heterogeneous increase of density of the parenchyma with multiple soft tissue density nodules,and multiple cystiform hypodense.On contrast-enhanced CT,the lesions mostly manifested as heterogeneous enhancement.The solid part of the nodules showed moderate or marked enhancement.However,the cystiform hypodense showed no enhancement.Conclusion Although the CT findings of BLEL of major salivary glands are variable,they still share some common characteristics,which are useful in the clinical diagnosis.