Imaging for juvenile angiofibroma

Juvenile angiofibroma presents characteristic imaging signs, many of which allow diagnosis and accurate estimation of extent without recourse to the dangers of biopsy. The diagnosis by computed tomography (CT) is based upon the site of origin of the lesion in the pterygopalatine fossa. There are two...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of laryngology and otology 2000-09, Vol.114 (9), p.727-730
Main Authors: Lloyd, Glyn, Howard, David, Lund, Valerie J., Savy, Lloyd
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
(RF) Otorhinolaryngology
Adolescent
Adult
Angiofibroma
Angiofibroma - diagnosis
Biological and medical sciences
Biopsy
Child
Contraindications
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Medical sciences
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms - diagnosis
Nasopharynx - diagnostic imaging
Nasopharynx - pathology
Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology
Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology. Orbit
Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry
Radiographic Image Enhancement
Skull - diagnostic imaging
Skull - pathology
Tomography
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tumors
Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology
X-Ray Computed
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Description
Summary:Juvenile angiofibroma presents characteristic imaging signs, many of which allow diagnosis and accurate estimation of extent without recourse to the dangers of biopsy. The diagnosis by computed tomography (CT) is based upon the site of origin of the lesion in the pterygopalatine fossa. There are two constant features: (1) a mass in the posterior nasal cavity and pterygopalatine fossa; (2) erosion of bone behind the sphenopalatine foramen with extension to the upper medial pterygoid plate. Good bone imaging on CT is essential to show invasion of the cancellous bone of the sphenoid. This is the main predictor of recurrence: the deeper the extension, the larger the potential tumour remnant likely to be left following surgery. The characteristic features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are due to the high vascularity of the tumour causing signal voids and strong post-contrast enhancement. MRI shows the pre-operative soft tissue extent of angiofibroma optimally, but its more important application is to provide post-operative surveillance: to show any residual or recurrent tumour, record tumour growth or natural involution and monitor the effects of radiotherapy.
ISSN:0022-2151
1748-5460
DOI:10.1258/0022215001906642