Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Schwannoma of the Sinonasal Tract. Issue 6 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Bentao; Wang, Yongzhe; Wang, Shuye; Dong, Jiyong
• Is Part Of: Journal of computer assisted tomography. Volume 39:Issue 6(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: schwannoma -- nasal tract -- paranasal sinus -- MRI; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography -- Periodicals; Tomography; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8715

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of schwannoma of the sinonasal tract. Methods: Eighteen patients with histopathologically confirmed sinonasal schwannoma underwent conventional MRI, and 12 had dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI studies synchronously. The morphology feature, signal intensity, enhancement degree, and time intensity curve (TIC) pattern of schwannomas were retrospectively analyzed. Results: This entity appeared as a well-circumscribed, oval or fusiform soft tissue mass with a mean greatest diameter of 38 mm. Schwannomas exhibited isointense on T1-weighted image in 12 patients and hypointense in 6. On T2-weighted image, the lesions were heterogeneously isointense in 14 patients and hyperintense in 4. The lesions had heterogeneously moderate and marked contrast enhancement in 2 and 16, respectively. The mottled-, island-, and multicyst-like appearance were identified in 3, 4, and 11, respectively. Compared with inverted papilloma and lobular capillary hemangioma, the type I TIC is characteristic of schwannoma. Conclusions: A well-circumscribed mass displaying T2 intermediate signal intensity, marked enhancement, and type I TIC, with cystic changes, strongly suggests the diagnosis of sinonasal schwannoma.