Objective To investigate the CT and MRI findings and pathological basis of adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC)of the salivary glands. Methods The CT or MRI findings of 22 ACC of the salivary glands confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed, and were compared with pathological results. Results The tumors occurred in parotid gland (7 cases), maxillary sinus (3cases), sublingual (3cases), submandibular gland (3 cases), nasal sinus (2cases), palatum(2cases), trachea (1cases). 14 cases were in regular shape, 8 cases were in irregular shape. The tumor diameter ranged from 10mm to 53mm with a mean value of 29mm. Fourteen cases underwent CT examination, isodensity or low density were revealed on plain CT scan, 5 cases were with homogenous density and 9 cases were with heterogeneous density. On contrast-enhanced CT, homogenous enhancement were observed in 4 cases, heterogeneous enhancement with small patchy or cribriform non-enhanced region were observed in 10 cases. Eight cases underwent MRI examination, T1WI showed iso-or hypointense, T2WI showed heterogeneous hyperintense, small patchy or cribriform region of obvious hyperintense were observed in 6 cases. On contrast-enhanced MRI, homogenous enhancement were observed in 2 cases, heterogeneous enhancement with small patchy or cribriform non-enhanced region were observed in 6 cases. Five cases were found with adjacent structures invasion. Three cases were found with lymph node metastasis, 1 case were found with distant metastases. Conclusion The pathology of ACC determines the characteristic of imaging findings, small patchy or cribriform non-enhanced region is always revealed on CT and MRI scans. CT and MRI play an important role in assessing extent of tumor invasion.