Contrast-enhanced color Doppler sonography of parotid gland tumors

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to assess the potential of color Doppler sonography in imaging tumors of the parotid gland enhanced by application of ultrasound contrast agents. To this end 26 patients with tumors of the parotid gland were investigated. The color Doppler signal areas before and after administration of Doppler signal-enhancing agent (Levovist, Schering, Germany) were determined by means of computer-assisted analysis, and the relevant parameters were evaluated. The tumors can be classified as follows: 11 pleomorphic adenomas, 8 adenolymphomas and two squamous cell carcinomas of the parotid gland, two lymph nodes, one adenoma, one neurinoma of the facial nerve and one non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Before the administration of Doppler signal-enhancing agent, the adenolymphomas showed a significantly stronger Doppler signal area as compared to the pleomorphic adenomas. The maximum color Doppler signal area after administration of Doppler signal-enhancing agent showed no difference within both groups. If one considers the relative change in the Doppler signal area before and after applying enhancing agent, however, a significantly stronger enhancement of perfusion (increase in Doppler signal area) is noted within pleomorphic adenomas. The changes in the Doppler signal area after administration of signal-enhancing agent show a different course depending on the histology of the investigated tumors.

The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Non-Hepatic Applications: Update 2017 (Long Version)

“…Background The B-mode US, Doppler US, elastography and CEUS appearance of parotid gland lesions has been analyzed to discriminate benign from malignant lesions [394 -396]. CEUS investigations were initially performed with high MI US using color Doppler [394] and later with low MI techniques [397,398]. The role of CEUS assessment of parotid gland lesions is limited by a paucity of studies, and relies on expert opinion [399,400].…”

Sonoelastography of parotid gland tumours: initial experience and identification of characteristic patterns

“…Some differences in flow kinetics have been observed between pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumours when contrast agents are used [11,20]. In addition, approaches using computer-aided tissue characterisation are regularly able to differentiate between benign and malignant tumours [13,21].…”

Sonohistology for the computerized differentiation of parotid gland tumors

“…However, the lack of distinctive vessel patterns prevents the exclusive application of Doppler modes for the differentiation of tumors of the parotid gland (Schade et al 1998). The application of US contrast agents can only increase the ability to differentiate between certain types of parotid gland tumors (Steinhart et al 2003).…”