ObjectiveTo analyze the CT features of parotid tuberculosis, in order to increase the cognition and diagnostic level of the disease. MethodsNine cases of parotid tuberculosis confirmed by pathology and laboratory examinations between August 2009 and December 2012 were collected retrospectively, and we analyzed their CT features which were then compared with pathological findings. ResultsAll the 9 cases involved unilateral parotid, among which 7 were on the left side and 2 on the right side. Eight cases were parotid lymph node tuberculosis located in parotid superficial lobe, including 3 cases of single lesion and 5 cases of multiple lesions. There were 30 lesions in total with diameters ranging from 0.5 cm to 4.5 cm, presenting slightly lower density on CT scan. Twenty-five lesions were moderate homogeneous enhancement; four lesions were ring-like enhancement; and one lesion was lace-like enhancement. Six cases of parotid lymph node tuberculosis had thickened platysma, and subcutaneous fat and skin were at different levels. Six cases in the group were accompanied with enlargement of cervical lymph nodes. One case of parotid gland essence tuberculosis involved its superficial and deep lobe diffusely presenting heterogeneous slightly low density, in which we could see some patchy low density and nodular calcification. All the parotid gland essence presented diffuse enhancement with irregular liquefactive necrosis, mildly swelling of adjacent platysma and fat, without enlargement of cervical lymph node. ConclusionCT signs of parotid tuberculosis are closely related to its pathologic changes. For the lesions in unilateral parotid superficial lobe, we should consider the diagnosis of parotid lymph node tuberculosis with the signs of homogeneous enhancement, thickness of close platysma, subcutaneous fat and skin, and enlargement of cervical lymph node.