Aggressive fibromatosis of the prevertebral and retropharyngeal spaces: MR and CT characteristics.

A 47-year-old man had aggressive fibromatosis, and CT and MR showed a large, multilobulated soft-tissue mass within the prevertebral and retropharyngeal spaces. On CT, the lesion was slightly higher in attenuation than adjacent muscle; on MR, it was intermediate between muscle and fat on unenhanced T1-weighted images, isointense with fat on intermediate-weighted images, hyperintense relative to fat on T2-weighted images, and markedly enhanced after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Multiple small focal and linear areas of decreased signal intensity that did not enhance with gadopentetate dimeglumine were observed on all pulse sequences.     

Castleman's disease in the retropharyngeal space: CT and MR imaging findings

We report CT and MR imaging findings in a case of Castleman's disease involving the retropharyngeal space in a middle-aged woman. On CT scans, a well-marginated, homogeneous, and densely enhancing mass was detected in the right retropharyngeal space. The mass was isointense to the muscle on T1-weighted MR images, hyperintense to the muscle on T2-weighted MR images, and showed homogeneous, strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images. The linear hypointense signal in an arborizing pattern was observed within the mass on all pulse sequences.     

Variable appearances of subacute intracranial hematomas on high-field spin-echo MR

Subacute intracranial hematomas have variable appearances on high-field MR images. They are hyperintense on T1-weighted images owing to methemoglobin, but have variable intensities on T2-weighted images. Observation of the different high-field spin-echo MR intensity patterns of five subacute hematomas suggests that further subcategorization into different methemoglobin states may be possible. In particular, undiluted intracellular methemoglobin is hyperintense on T1-weighted images and markedly hypointense on T2-weighted images, undiluted free methemoglobin should be hyperintense on T1-weighted images and isointense or slightly hypointense on T2-weighted images, and dilute free methemoglobin is hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. However, it appears that certain regions of subacute hematomas may be difficult to differentiate, by intensity patterns alone, from melanotic melanomas or fat. We believe that, despite some limitations, MR is useful in dividing subacute intracranial hematomas into their respective methemoglobin states, and also that further subcategorization is possible.     

肝脏炎性假瘤的CT及MRI征象

目的:探讨肝脏炎性假瘤的CT和MRI表现。方法:8例经手术病理证实的肝脏炎性假瘤。男5例,女3例,年龄35~65岁,平均53岁。8例均作CT平扫及增强扫描,其中3例行MR对比检查。结果:CT表现为1 个病灶6 例,2个病灶2例,共发现病灶10个。平扫9个病灶表现为低密度,1 个病灶表现为稍高密度。动态增强扫描2 个病灶动脉期显著强化,门脉期及延迟期中度强化;8个病灶动脉期无明显强化,门脉期及延迟期有不同方式的强化,主要表现为周边完整或不完整的环形或结节状强化,中心核心样强化及线状或不规则分隔样强化。MRI表现为2 例病灶T1WI呈低信号,T2WI呈稍高信号,1例病灶T1WI及T2WI均为等信号,动态增强扫描与CT相仿。结论:肝脏炎性假瘤的CT及MRI表现因其病理阶段不同而表现各异,诊断需结合临床,确诊尚依靠病理检查。     

Rhabdomyolysis: magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with rhabdomyolysis. METHODS: The medical records and imaging studies of 10 patients (5 males, 5 females; age range, 14-60 years; mean age, 28.3 years) with rhabdomyolysis were retrospectively reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging was available in 9 patients and CT in 2 patients. RESULTS: Two distinct imaging types of rhabdomyolysis were observed. For type 1 rhabdomyolysis (n = 2), the affected muscles revealed homogeneously isointense to hyperintense on T1-weighted, homogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted and short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) images, and homogeneously enhanced on contrast-enhanced MR images. For type 2 rhabdomyolysis (n = 8), the affected muscles revealed homogeneously or heterogeneously isointense to hyperintense on T1-weighted images, heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted and STIR images, heterogeneously hypodense on CT images, and rim enhanced on contrast-enhanced MR and CT images with the presence of a specific presentation, named as the "stipple sign." CONCLUSIONS: Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical and biochemical syndrome comprising 2 distinct imaging types. Homogeneous signal changes and enhancement in the affected muscles advocate type 1 rhabdomyolysis. The stipple sign is helpful in demonstrating the areas of myonecrosis in type 2 rhabdomyolysis and, together with clinical and laboratory presentations, in reaching the correct diagnosis.     

MR appearance of Rathke's cleft cysts

Summary Two of three patients who proved to have symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts presented with visual field deficit and all with diabetes insipidus. CT showed intra- and suprasellar cystic low density lesions with ring enhancement. MR showed intra-and suprasellar masses. On the T1-weighted images two of the three had hyperintense portions similar to fat and the other a hyperintense portion similar to white matter within the cysts. These portions were isointense to brain on the T2-weighted images in all cases. This characteristic intensity on MR images provides differentiation from cystic pituitary adenomas and cystic craniopharyngiomas, and leads to correct diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst.     

Spinal epidural synovial sarcoma: a case of homogeneous enhancing large paravertebral mass on MR imaging

We report the MR imaging findings in a 44-year-old man with a low-grade synovial sarcoma. There was a right-sided epidural and paravertebral mass, widening of the ipsilateral neural foramen at the L4-L5 level, and focal erosion of the right superior articular process of the L5 vertebra. The mass was relatively homogeneous, hyperintense to muscle and isointense to fat on T2-weighted images, and isointense to muscle on T1-weighted images, and it demonstrated moderate homogeneous enhancement.     

Intraocular tumors: evaluation with MR imaging

Sixty-seven ocular tumors were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT). These tumors included primary uveal melanoma (n = 55), circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (n = 3), diffuse choroidal hemangioma (n = 1), retinal capillary hemangioma (n = 1), medulloepithelioma (n = 1), choroidal nevus (n = 1), retinoblastoma (n = 1), and choroidal metastases (n = 4). MR imaging demonstrated all these lesions, while CT demonstrated 88%. Associated retinal detachment was more easily distinguished from the neoplasms with MR imaging. Extrascleral extension of melanoma and hemorrhagic cystic necrosis within the melanoma were clearly demonstrated with MR imaging, but not with CT. Ninety-three percent of melanomas were markedly hyperintense, compared with the intensity of the vitreous body, on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. All metastatic lesions were isointense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. The circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas were hyperintense on T1-weighted images and isointense on T2-weighted images. MR imaging is superior to CT in detection of intraocular tumors and may be more specific in diagnosis.     

Skeletal muscle lymphoma: observations at MR imaging

 We present the MR appearances of three patients with biopsy-proven primary lymphoma of skeletal muscle. In each case lymphoma resulted in bulky expansion of the involved muscle, homogeneously isointense to skeletal muscle on T1-weighted images, homogeneously hyperintense to skeletal muscle on T2-weighted images and diffusely enhancing following intravenous administration of gadopentate dimeglumine.     

Imaging features of myoepithelioma arising from the hard palate. A case report

A 53-year-old Japanese woman presented with a mass of the hard palate that was histologically diagnosed as myoepithelioma. By CT, the well-demarcated ovoid isodense mass showed faint contrast enhancement. By MR imaging, the mass was homogeneous and isointense on T1-weighted images with homogeneous enhancement after administration of contrast material and markedly hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Myoepithelioma should be kept in mind as differential diagnosis of hard palatine tumors.     

MR imaging of intracranial metastatic melanoma

Ten patients with intracerebral metastases from malignant melanoma were evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed at 1.5 T using spin-echo techniques. On the basis of histopathologic findings in three of 10 cases and CT appearances in all 10 cases, three patterns were identified on analysis of MR signal intensities in both short repetition time/echo time (TR/TE) and long TR/TE spin-echo scans. In comparison to normal cortex, nonhemorrhagic melanotic melanoma appeared markedly hyperintense on short TR/TE images and isointense, mildly hypointense on long TR/TE images. Nonhemorrhagic, amelanotic melanoma appeared isointense or mildly hypointense on short TR/TE and isointense or mildly hyperintense on long TR/TE images. Hemorrhagic melanoma varied in appearance, depending on the stage of hemorrhage. Melanotic, nonhemorrhagic melanoma can be distinguished from early and late subacute hemorrhage by its signal intensity on long TR/TE images. Spin-echo MR appears to be the method of choice for diagnosing melanotic metastases.     

Solitary fibrous tumor in the buccal space: MR findings with pathologic correlation.

We report MR findings in a case of a solitary fibrous tumor involving the buccal space in a middle-aged man. On MR images, most of the mass was isointense and hyperintense to the muscle on T1- and T2-weighted images, respectively, and showed homogeneously strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. The medial peripheral portion, which was isointense on T2-weighted images and showed less enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, corresponded to the hypocellular and collagenous sclerotic area on pathologic correlation.     

CT and MR imaging of benign primary cardiac neoplasms with echocardiographic correlation.

Benign primary cardiac neoplasms are rare but may cause significant morbidity and mortality. However, they are usually treatable and can often be diagnosed with echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Myxomas typically arise from the interatrial septum from a narrow base of attachment. Fibroelastomas are easily detected at echocardiography as small, mobile masses attached to valves by a short pedicle. Cardiac fibromas manifest as a large, noncontractile, solid mass in a ventricular wall at echocardiography and as a homogeneous mass with soft-tissue attenuation at CT. They are usually homogeneous and hypointense on T2-weighted MR images and isointense relative to muscle on T1-weighted images. Paragangliomas usually appear as large, echogenic left atrial masses at echocardiography and as circumscribed, heterogeneous masses with low attenuation at CT. These tumors are usually markedly hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images and iso- or hypointense relative to myocardium on T1-weighted images. Cardiac lipomas manifest at CT as homogeneous, low-attenuation masses in a cardiac chamber or in the pericardial space and demonstrate homogeneous increased signal intensity that decreases with fat-saturated sequences at T1-weighted MR imaging. Cardiac lymphangiomas manifest as cystic masses at echocardiography and typically demonstrate increased signal intensity at T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging. Familiarity with these imaging features and with the relative effectiveness of these modalities is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.     

MR and CT evaluation of intracranial sarcoidosis

Fourteen patients with CNS manifestations of neurosarcoidosis were evaluated by MR imaging and CT. Evaluations were done on a 0.5-T superconductive magnet with T1- and T2-weighted sequences. CT with contrast was obtained in all patients. The granulomatous lesions were classified by location into basilar, convexity, intrahemispheric, and periventricular white-matter involvement. Hydrocephalus with or without an associated lesion was also noted. MR determined the presence of disease in all patients (100%), but was less accurate than CT in depicting disease in two patients (14%). CT determined the presence of disease in 12 patients (85%) and was less accurate than MR in delineating hypothalamic involvement in two patients and periventricular white-matter disease in three patients. There was great variability in the appearance of intracranial sarcoidosis on MR. Three patients had lesions that were isointense or hypointense (relative to cerebral cortex) on both T1- and T2-weighted images while nine patients had lesions that were hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Convexity involvement and hydrocephalus were well documented by both CT and MR. These results indicate that both MR and CT are helpful in fully evaluating a patient with suspected intracranial sarcoidosis.     

Multifocal nodular fatty infiltration of the liver mimicking metastatic disease on CT: imaging findings and diagnosis using MR imaging

The aim of this study was to describe the MR appearance of multifocal nodular fatty infiltration of the liver (MNFIL) using T1-weighted in-phase (IP) and opposed-phase (OP) gradient-echo as well as T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequences with fat suppression (FSTSE) and without (HASTE). Magnetic resonance imaging examinations at 1.5 T using T1-weighted IP and OP-GRE with fast low angle shot (FLASH) technique, and T2-weighted FSTSE, T2-weighted HASTE of 137 patients undergoing evaluation for focal liver lesions were reviewed. Five patients were identified in whom CT indicated metastatic disease; however, no liver malignancy was finally proven. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy (n = 3), additional wedge resection (n = 1) or follow-up MRI 6–12 months later (n = 5). Regarding the identified five patients, the number of focal liver lesions was 2 (n = 2) and more than 20 (n = 3). The MR imaging characteristics were as follows: OP-image: markedly hypointense (n = 5); IP image: isointense (n = 2) or slightly hyperintense (n = 3); T2-weighted FSTSE-image: isointense (n = 5); T2-weighted HASTE image isointense (n = 1); slightly hyperintense (n = 4). On OP images all lesions were sharply demarcated and of almost spherical configuration (n = 5). Further evaluation by histology or follow-up MR imaging did not give evidence of malignancy in any case. Histology revealed fatty infiltration of the liver parenchyma in three patients. Magnetic resonance follow-up showed complete resolution in two patients and no change in three patients. Multifocal nodular fatty infiltration can simulate metastatic disease on both CT and MR imaging. The combination of in-phase (IP) and opposed-phase (OP) gradient-echo imaging can reliably differentiate MNFIL from metastatic disease. Received: 15 September 1999 Revised: 3 February 2000; Accepted: 7 February 2000     

Myositis ossificans: MR appearance with radiologic-pathologic correlation

We reviewed retrospectively the MR images of eight histologically proved cases of myositis ossificans and correlated the MR appearance with the histologic findings, as well as with other radiologic studies. Patients with available MR images were chosen from a group of 326 cases in our radiologic archives of histologically proved and radiologically correlated myositis ossificans. In addition to MR images, all patients had plain radiographs, six had CT scans, and two had arteriograms. On T2-weighted spin-echo MR, the lesions were relatively well defined and inhomogeneous and had intermediate to high signal intensity. The latter corresponded to a central proliferating core of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts with a myxoid stroma resembling nodular fasciitis, rimmed by osteoblasts with bone production. Edema surrounded lesions less than a few months old. T1-weighted images of early lesions were normal or showed evidence of a mass by displacement of fat planes. Hemorrhage and fluid-fluid levels were seen in one lesion of intermediate duration. Mature lesions tended to be well defined with inhomogeneous signal intensity, similar to that of fat, representing areas of fat situated between bone trabeculae within the lesion. We present the MR appearance of myositis ossificans and correlate it with other radiologic studies and the histologic findings. The varying appearance of myositis ossificans relates to the histologic changes that occur as the disorder progresses. Knowledge of the MR appearance of myositis ossificans is important in that the lesion has many of the MR imaging characteristics frequently associated with malignancy.     

Nodular fasciitis in the head and neck: CT and MR imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the CT and MR imaging findings of nodular fasciitis occurring in the head and neck region. METHODS: CT (n = 6) and MR (n = 4) images obtained from 7 patients (3 men and 4 women; mean age, 19.4 years; age range, 1-48 years) with surgically confirmed nodular fasciitis in the head and neck were retrospectively reviewed. All patients presented with a palpable mass in the head and neck that was noticed 1-3 months earlier: 5 in the face, one in the occipital scalp, and the remaining one in the supraclavicular fossa. We investigated the CT and MR imaging characteristics with emphasis on the location, size, internal content, margin, enhancement pattern, and signal intensity of the lesion. RESULTS: All lesions appeared as a discrete mass on imaging, ranging from 1.0 cm to 4.6 cm in diameter (mean, 2.2 cm). Six lesions, all of which appeared benign, were located in the subcutaneous tissue superficial to the deep cervical fascia. The remaining lesion was located deep to the temporalis muscle and showed an aggressive imaging appearance, markedly eroding the bony orbit and skull. Five lesions were solid, and 2 lesions were partly or completely cystic in appearance. Five lesions were well defined, whereas 2 lesions were ill defined. Four of 5 solid lesions showed moderate to marked diffuse enhancement, whereas the remaining lesion demonstrated mild enhancement. Two cystic lesions showed peripheral, nodular, or rim-like enhancement. Compared with muscle, both solid lesions had isointense signal intensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintense signal intensity on T2-weighted images, whereas the signal intensity of the solid portions of the deep-seated, partly cystic lesion was isointense on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: Although rare, nodular fasciitis occurs as a discrete solid or cystic mass in the head and neck, depending on the predominant stromal components. When one sees a head and neck mass with a superficial location and moderate to marked enhancement on CT and MR imaging, nodular fasciitis should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with a recently developed, rapidly growing mass and a history of recent trauma.     

四肢黏液样脂肪肉瘤的MRI诊断

目的探讨四肢黏液样脂肪肉瘤的临床和MRI特点。方法对7例经病理证实的四肢黏液样脂肪肉瘤的临床和MRI资料进行了回顾性分析。患者年龄41-59岁，中位年龄51岁。结果3例肿瘤发生在大腿，2例在小腿，1例在足部，1例在肩部；6例位置深在，1例位置表浅。与肌肉相比病变在T1WI上主要呈等或稍低信号，6例可见“线”状、“花边”状或“云絮”状高信号；在T2WI上病变与脂肪相比大部分区域呈高信号；增强扫描病变均呈不均匀的显著强化；病变内部可见分隔，边缘清楚，周围无明显水肿，均未侵犯邻近骨骼。结论四肢黏液样脂肪肉瘤MRI表现有一定特点，在T1WI上主要呈等或稍低于肌肉的信号，并可见脂肪成分所致的“线”状、“花边”状或“云絮”状高信号，在T2WI上则以高于脂肪的信号为主，增强扫描呈不均匀的显著强化。     

The magnetic resonance of small hepatocarcinoma. A comparison with echography, computed tomography, digital angiography and computed tomography with lipiodol]

Diagnostic techniques as a whole and periodic ultrasonography (US) in particular frequently allows tumors < 3 cm (small hepatocellular carcinomas) to be detected in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Multifocal diseases are a major limitation to surgery. Recently, MR imaging has shown its capabilities in the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinomas. In our study the diagnostic value of MR imaging was compared with that of US, of pre- and post-contrast CT, of digital angiography and of CT after lipiodol injection (Lipiodol CT). The morphologic and signal intensity MR features of small hepatocellular carcinomas were investigated. Fifteen cirrhotic patients with 31 nodules of hepatocellular carcinoma < 3 cm were examined. All patients were studied with US, MR imaging, angiography and Lipiodol CT; 12/15 patients underwent CT. Histologic confirmation was obtained in 12 nodules (2 at surgery and 10 by means of percutaneous biopsy); in the extant 19 cases the diagnosis was made by combining US, CT, MR, angiographic and lipiodol-CT findings; in 9 tumors < 1 cm Lipiodol retention one month after angiography was considered as diagnostic. MR imaging detected 21/31 nodules (63%), US 22/31 (66.6%), CT 12/24 (50%), angiography 24/31 (74%), lipiodol CT 29/31 (92.5%). Mc Nemar test showed no difference in sensitivity between MR imaging and CT, MR and angiography, MR and US, lipiodol CT and angiography; however, the differences between the detection rates of MR imaging and Lipiodol CT and CT and lipiodol CT and US were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The difference in sensitivity between the detection rates of lipiodol CT and US was just above the threshold value which is usually considered significant (p = 0.065). One false positive was observed on US and none with MR, CT, angiography and lipiodol CT. On Se T1-weighted images 18 nodules were hyperintense, 2 isointense and 2 hypointense; on proton-density images 14 nodules were hyperintense, 7 isointense and none hypointense. On SE T2-weighted images 18 nodules were hyperintense, 3 isointense and none hypointense. A pseudocapsule was seen in 10/17 nodules (58%), especially on T1-weighted images. Accuracy and limitations of each technique and morphologic and signal intensity MR findings of small hepatocellular carcinoma are discussed. We believe that US is still the best diagnostic technique for the screening of hepatocellular carcinomas in cirrhotic livers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

MR imaging findings of focal myositis: a pseudotumour that may mimic muscle neoplasm

Objective  The authors describe magnetic resonance (MR) findings in eight patients with histologically confirmed focal myositis. Materials and methods  In each patient, axial TSE T1-weighted and fast short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) images were obtained using a 1.5-T MR scanner. Three patients also underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MR examination using a GE T1-weighted sequence. The following features were evaluated: anatomical distribution, extent of the involvement, signal intensity characteristics, dynamic enhancement pattern and outcome at follow-up examinations. Results  Seven of eight lesions were located in the lower extremities, one of eight in the arm; four of eight involved part of a muscle, two of eight diffusely involved a muscle and two of eight showed multifocal involvement of two or more muscles. All lesions were hyperintense on fast-STIR images: the hyperintensity was homogeneous in six of eight and inhomogeneous in two of eight. On T1-weighted unenhanced images, all lesions but two appeared isointense or slightly hypointense in comparison to normal muscles; two lesions showed a slight hyperintensity. Dynamic enhancement pattern corresponded to the type usually seen in benign soft tissue lesions. All lesions disappeared. Conclusion  Focal myositis is an uncommon pseudotumour which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of muscular masses and myopathies.