Preliminary exploration of functional MRI in sinonasal paragangliomas

Objectives: This study was aimed at evaluating functional MRI combined with conventional MRI as well as CT imaging in the diagnosis of sinonasal paragangliomas (SNPGLs). Methods: Clinical data, CT imaging, conventional MRI, and functional MRI findings of four patients with pathologically confirmed SNPGLs were reviewed retrospectively. Multi-parametric functional MRI features were analyzed, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). An ADC map was generated through DWI, and the values of the lesions were measured. A time-signal intensity curve pattern was obtained through DCE. Peaks for biological compounds were derived from 1H-MRS. Results: Three patients underwent DWI examination. DCE was also available in two patients, and 1H-MRS was performed in one patient. The ADC value obtained from DWI was higher than 1.0×10−3 mm2/s in all patients, and DCE presented a type III or type II pattern. A characteristic succinate peak and a high ratio of choline to creatine were also detected through 1H-MRS. Conclusions: Imaging features on multi-parametric functional MRI reflected the histopathological microenvironment within SNPGLs, and might aid in the diagnosis of SNPGLs in combination with conventional imaging.