Value of MR imaging in the differentiation of benign and malignant orbital tumors in adults

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging including dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in the differentiation of benign from malignant orbital masses and to evaluate which MR imaging features are most predictive of malignant tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the institutional review board and signed informed consent was obtained. Nonenhanced, static, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging was performed in 102 adult patients with an orbital mass. Diagnosis was based on histologic findings. MR imaging features of benign and malignant orbital lesions were evaluated correlated with histological findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the best combination of MR imaging features that might be predictive of malignancy. RESULTS: Nonenhanced, static, and dynamic enhancement MR imaging was significantly superior to two other models in prediction of malignancy (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the most discriminating MR imaging features were isointense mass on T2-weighted imaging and a washout-type time–intensity curve for both observers. CONCLUSION: Nonenhanced, static, and dynamic enhancement MR imaging improved differentiation between benign and malignant orbital masses in adult patients.