Sinonasal tumors and inflammatory tissues: differentiation with MR imaging.

The magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomographic (CT) images of 53 patients with sinonasal tumors were analyzed and compared for accuracy in tumor mapping. the findings were confirmed by means of either surgery or biopsy. The MR images of 60 patients with inflammatory disease were also studied, and the findings were confirmed at surgery. Forty-seven additional MR images were also examined of patients with tumors showing histologic characteristics similar to those found in the sinonasal tumor group but occurring elsewhere in the head and neck, excluding the orbit. This study concludes that nearly 95% of sinonasal tumors have an intermediate T2 signal, while only 5% have bright T2 signals. This small latter group is composed almost exclusively of some minor salivary gland tumors and some neuromas. The inflammatory tissues all had bright T2 signals. The distinction between sinonasal tumors and inflammatory tissues was best accomplished with T2-weighted studies, and MR imaging was more accurate than CT.