Extranodal Lymphomas: a pictorial review for CT and MRI classification

Abstract

Extranodal lymphomas represent an extranodal location of both non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. This study aims to evaluate the role of CT and MRI in the assessment of relationships of extranodal lymphomas with surrounding tissues and in the characterization of the lesion. We selected and reviewed ten recent studies among the most recent ones present in literature exclusively about CT and MRI imaging of extranodal lymphomas. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is usually the first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of extranodal lymphomas, according to Lugano classification. However, MRI has a crucial role thanks to the superior soft-tissue contrast resolution, particularly in the anatomical region as head and neck.

Figure 1.

CT shows a rounded lesion at the level of the anterior margin of the right maxillary muscle

Figure 2.

CECT shows a rounded lesion at the level of left parotid gland with inhomogeneus ce and shaded margins

Figure 3.

MRI with contrast enhancment show rounded nodular lesion in the context of the left parotid gland with shaded margins and peripheral enhancement.

Figure 4.

MRI T2w with nodular solid lesion right mandibula inhomogeneously hypointense with lobulated margins.

Figure 5.

(a-b) Waldeyer’s ring lesion. MRI T2w. Nodular capsulated solid lesion in the left parapharyngeal space with reduction of the pharyngeal airspace. (c) After i.v administration the lesion show midly inhomogeneous enhancement.

Figure 6.

CT of a bulky masses inhomogeneous hypodensity. The CT show a destructive soft tissue mass can mimic squamous cell carcinoma.