Abstract：Objective: The tumor location, MRI appearance and characteristics of olfactory esthesioneuroblastoma were analyzed to improve its diagnosis. Methods: Thirteen cases with esthesioneuroblastoma confirmed by surgical pathology or biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. Their MRI images were reviewed and compared with surgical and pathological results. Results: In all the 13 cases, 3 cases were classified as grade II, and 10 cases were grade III. All the tumors intruded the ethmoid bone, and some attacked sphenoid bone, maxillary bone and paper plate. However, 10 cases break through the skull base and the brain-parenchyma was involved. Among them, 7 cases of brain tissue surrounding the tumors showed an appearance of finger-like edema, 4 cases with cystic changes and hemorrhage were found within the tumors; 3 cases demonstrated multiple cystic degeneration in the brain tissue around the tumors. The MRI appearance of 7 cases showed solid masses, with even obvious enhancement after contrast scan. Conclusions: The anatomic site, the morphology and the signal characters of esthesioneuroblastoma, and the destruction of its surrounding substantia ossea and organs have some values to make the correct diagnosis for this disease.
2007, Vol. 18 
