Objective
To explore the CT and MR imaging findings of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) involving the jaw bones.
Methods
Gnathic NHLs were retrospectively analyzed in 52 patients. The imaging findings were observed from the lesion number, location, size, shape, margin, density and signal intensity, CT value, bone structure change, and soft tissue mass.
Results
Of the 52 subjects, there were 43 with solitary gnathic NHL, and 9 with multicentric gnathic NHLs. The maximum diameter of all the 72 lesions ranged from 1.5 to 9.5 cm (mean 4.6 ± 1.67 cm). Of the 72 lesions, 90.3% were identified as irregular shapes, 87.5% as ill-defined margins, and 76.4% as homogeneous densities and signal intensities. The osteolytic destruction was found in 84.7% lesions, cortical disruption in 84.7%, and no periosteal reaction in 93.1%. The soft tissue masses surrounding the gnathic lesions were shown in 93.1% lesions. On MR imaging, the gnathic NHLs (18 lesions) showed as iso-signal intensity on T1WI, slightly higher signal intensity on T2WI, and high signal intensity on DWI. After contrast media administration, 83.3% lesions showed slightly homogeneous enhancement on T1WI.
Conclusions
On CT and MR imaging, gnathic NHLs usually reveal as osteolytic lesions with irregular shapes, ill-defined margins, homogeneous densities and signal intensities, and surrounded by soft tissue mass. Some gnathic NHLs are characterized by multicentricity, which is important for indicating the condition.
