Conventional MRI findings for predicting submandibular pleomorphic adenoma.

BackgroundAlthough pleomorphic adenomas account for over 90% of all benign submandibular gland tumors, the imaging features of submandibular pleomorphic adenomas have not been reported in a large number of cases.PurposeTo assess the conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predicting the submandibular pleomorphic adenoma.Material and MethodsMR studies of 42 pleomorphic adenomas and 28 other types of tumor were reviewed. MR images were assessed for the presence of hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images (first sign), a well-defined margin (second sign), and presence of crescent-shaped compression of the ipsilateral normal submandibular gland (third sign).ResultsFor identifying submandibular pleomorphic adenoma, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 97.6%, 50.0%, 74.5%, 93.3%, and 78.6% for the first sign, 95.2%, 46.4% 72.7%, 86.7%, and 75.7% for the second sign, and 23.8%, 100%, 86.7%, 46.7%, and 54.3% for the third sign, re...