Abstract：Objective: To study CT and MRI features of lymphoma in Waldeyer’s ring, in order to improve the accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods: The CT and MRI data of 15 cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Waldeyer’s ring, proven pathologically and clinically were studied retrospectively. Results: Pathology showed all cases were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including 10 cases from B cells, and 5 cases from NK cells or T cells. Seven cases of palatal tonsil lymphoma showed round soft tissue mass with clear border in amygdaloid pit, and five cases involved both sides. Eight cases of palatal tonsil lymphoma grew aggressively within nasopharyngeal cavity, and some cases had turbinate or nasal sinus bone metastasis. CT imaging showed clear border between the mass and para-tumor tissues. The lymphomas were isointense to neighboring muscle on T1WI, and hyperintense on T2WI and DWI, and the signals were homogeneous with mild-to-moderate enhancement, without necrosis and cystic appearances. Ten of the fifteen cases showed bilateral swelling of cervical lymph nodes. Conclusion: Pharynx lymphatic loop lymphomas were mostly non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and they had characteristics of density, signal intensity, borders, and enhancement on CT or MRI, which need differentiation from tuberculosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and tonsil cancer. Both CT and MRI could describe the position, shape, extent, and whether or not having neighboring involvement, and these information are helpful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment.
2011, Vol. 22 
