Venous Ectasia Mimicking Intraparotid Mass: MRI Findings

Abstract

Nusabe Kaya, Muhammed Pamukcu and Berrin Erok

Background: Venous ectasias of the parotid region are rarely lesions that mimic mass of the parotid gland. The detection of venous ectasia has significantly increased with the increased use of cross-sectional imaging in the last two decades, especially in asymptomatic patient who scanned for other reasons. We report MRI findings and appropriate radiological investigation of case with venous ectasia in the parotid gland imitated intraparotid mass.

Case Report: A 58-year old woman underwent cranial MRI due to the history of headache. Incidentally, was detected well-defined nodular lesion with regular contours in the parotid gland, hypointense on T1-weighted scan and homogeneous hyperintense on T2-weighted scan similar with solid mass. Lesion completely and strongly enhanced after contrast administration. Axial T2-weighted images demonstrates incomplet phase-encoding artefact in the lesion indicating flow. The gray scala and Doppler ultrasonography rule out solid mass and confirm diagnosis of venouse ectasia. Therefore, fine needle aspiration was not performed. Since the absence seriously discomfort of patient advanced invasive procedure as venography or surgery treatment were not done.

Conclusion: To know MRI findings of intraparotid venous ectasia important for accurately diagnosis and differential diagnosis of intraparotid masses and can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. Gray scale and Doppler US combined with clinical examination are sufficient for correct diagnosis.

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