Abstract：Objective: To evaluate MR imaging findings of tumor originating in the infratemporal fossa so as to promote the diagnostic accuracy. Methods: All tumors arising from infratemporal fossa were confirmed by pathology and surgery. MR appearance were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The tumors included 5 neurilemmomas, 3 neurofibromas, 1 angiofibroma, 2 chondrosarcomas, 1 synovial sarcoma. Neurogenic tumors had well-defined border and regular shape with isointense signal on T1WI and hyperintense signal on T2WI. Neurofibromas showed homogeneous enhancement after administration of contrast medium while neurilemmomas showed heterogeneous enhancement. On MR imaging angiofibromas were isointense compared to muscle on T1WI, hyperintense on T2WI with obvious enhancement after administration of contrast medium. The synovial sarcomas were homogeneously isointense on T1-weighted studies and were hypointense relative to muscle on T2-weighted studies. After administration of contrast material, the mass enhanced slightly more than the surrounding muscles. Chondrosarcoma’s border was ill-defined, showing heterogeneous hypointense signal on T1WI, inhomogenous hyperintense signal on T2WI and heterogeneous enhancement after administration of contrast medium. Conclusion: MRI can demonstrate optimally the border and the extent of the tumors in infratemporal fossa. MR imaging can contribute to diagnosis of neurogenic tumor and angiofibroma.
2007, Vol. 18 
