[Parotid haemangioma: MR imaging findings in 3 cases].

Objective: Parotid gland hemangioma is uncommon in infancy and childhood and even rarer in adulthood. The clinical presentation, supported by imaging findings provides the diagnosis. The aim of this work is to discuss the different clinical and radiological aspects of this lesion with a special emphasis on MRI findings.

Methods: Three patients with unilateral hemangioma are presented. Radiological investigations including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (1 Tesla) were performed.

Results: Sonographic studies showed a lobulated mass with intermediate echogenicity, enlarging most or all of the visualized parotid gland. Correlative MR images in all cases showed a well-defined mass with an intermediate signal on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, all masses appeared bright, heterogeneous with low signals within the masses consistent with flow voids representing blood vessels. Phleboliths were present in one case.

Conclusion: MRI is the investigation of choice allowing an accurate diagnosis and avoiding invasive procedures including biopsy.