Nasal T-cell/natural killer cell lymphoma: CT and MR imaging features of a new clinicopathologic entity.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal T-cell/natural killer cell lymphoma is a new clinicopathologic entity with a characteristic immunophenotypic profile and distinct clinical features. This study describes the radiologic features of nine cases of proven nasal T-cell/natural killer cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSION: Nasal T-cell/natural killer cell lymphoma is often a locally destructive (T stages 3 and 4) disease, typically presenting with obliteration of the nasal passages and maxillary sinuses. Involvement of the adjacent alveolar bone, hard palate, orbits, and nasopharynx is found in more than 50% of cases and is associated with extensive soft-tissue masses. Presence of bone erosion is suggestive but not diagnostic of the disease.