Malignant fatty tumors: classification,clinical course,imaging appearance and treatment

Liposarcoma is a relatively common soft tissue malignancy with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and imaging appearances. Several subtypes are described, ranging from lesions nearly entirely composed of mature adipose tissue, to tumors with very sparse adipose elements. The imaging appearance of these fatty masses is frequently sufficiently characteristic to allow a specific diagnosis, while in other cases, although a specific diagnosis is not achievable, a meaningful limited differential diagnosis can be established. The purpose of this paper is to review the spectrum of malignant fatty tumors, highlighting the current classification system, clinical presentation and behavior, treatment and spectrum of imaging appearances. The imaging review will emphasize CT scanning and MR imaging, and will stress differentiating radiologic features.     

Benign bone tumors and tumor-like lesions: value of cross-sectional imaging

This article reviews the role of CT and MR imaging in the diagnosis of benign bone tumors and tumor-like lesions of bone with with regard to differential diagnosis, the assessment of tumor-related complications, and the detection of postoperative recurrence. Indications for cross-sectional imaging of specific lesions, including osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, enchondroma, osteochondroma, intraosseous lipoma, hemangioma, giant cell tumor, aneurysmal bone cyst, simple bone cyst, and eosinophilic granuloma, are discussed, and advantages and disadvantages of the different imaging modalities are illustrated on the basis of pathologically confirmed cases.     

Benign bone tumors

A solid knowledge of underlying histopathology of benign bone tumors aids in differential diagnoses of these tumors. Important factors in diagnosis of a bone tumor include patient age and gender; the bone involved; the location of the tumor along, within, or on the bone; lesion margin; matrix proliferation; and periosteal reaction. This article provides a review of the origin of the tumor matrix and its influence on the imaging properties of these tumors.     

Dumbbell-shaped thoracic hibernoma: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Hibernoma is an uncommon, benign soft tissue tumor that arises in brown adipose tissue. The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hibernomas are similar to those of well-differentiated liposarcoma or angiolipoma. We report the unique appearance of a rare thoracic wall hibernoma, which appeared as a dumbbell-shaped lipomatous tumor across an intercostal region. A dynamic contrast-enhanced study on MRI revealed early enhancement, which corresponded to the branching low-signal intensity on T2-weighted images of the mass.     

Liposarcoma or lipoma: Does genetics change classic imaging criteria?

Differentiating benign from malignant fatty tumours has always been very difficult for both radiologists and pathologists. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses provide complementary tools for differentiating soft tissue tumours.Our objective was to compare imaging criteria of malignancy with a new diagnostic gold standard, namely, pathological analysis combined with cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses. Nineteen patients with a fatty tumour were included. All had computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging examination before any biopsy or surgery. All had histopathological and cytogenetic and/or molecular genetic analyses. The imaging diagnosis of benign or malignant lesions was accurate in 15 cases, with 4 false positives for malignancy. Erroneous criteria were a large size (4 cases), and a mass that was not purely fatty.In conclusion, the main pitfall for a false positive radiological diagnosis of liposarcoma is certainly a large-sized tumour. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses contribute to the diagnosis and can be performed at the same time with a core biopsy.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of pilomatricoma

Two patients (a 16-month-old boy and a 53-year-old man) were referred for MR imaging of a small, subcutaneous nodule at the forearm. Plain films were available in one patient and showed a non-specific well-circumscribed lesion. Upon ultrasonography (1 patient), a nodular, well-circumscribed, hyperechoic lesion was seen. In both cases spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted images (T1W1) showed homogeneous, intermediate signal intensity (SI). On gadolinium-enhanced T1W1 (1 patient), no enhancement was observed. Both lesions showed predominant low-to-intermediate SI on T2WI. At histological examination characteristic findings of pilomatricoma were observed.     

软组织肿瘤MR扩散成像与灌注成像的比较研究

目的 通过分析一组软组织肿瘤同一病例相同ROI的MR DWI及PWI的影像信息,比较这2种MR功能成像技术用于软组织肿瘤的定性诊断价值.方法 对50例软组织肿瘤(良性24例,恶性26例)同时行DWI及PWI.通过扩散及灌注软件分析DWI及PWI参数在良、恶性肿瘤中的表现,进行差异的t检验,对所获两法的诊断符合率进行x2检验.采用受试者操作特征曲线(ROC曲线)分析曲线下面积(AUC),确定诊断阈值并对2种诊断方法进行评价.结果 良、恶性软组织肿瘤的ADC值[(良、恶性分别为(2.03±0.36)和(1.52±0.39)×10-3mm2/s]、首过灌注(FP)期信号强度丢失率[良、恶性分别为(13.54±3.37)%和(47.57±5.21)%]的差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为2.515和2.938,P值均<0.05),时间-信号强度曲线(TIC)最大线性斜率[良、恶性分别为(5.51±2.54)%和(7.94±3.33)%]的差异无统计学意义(t值为1.272,P>0.05);以ADC值1.866×10-3mm2/s为阈值,DWI诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为84.6%(22/26),特异度为83.3%(20/24);以FP期最大信号丢失率40.33%为阈值,PWI诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为88.5%(23/26),特异度为75.0%(18/24);TIC类型的Ⅰa型在良性肿瘤中占3/24,在恶性肿瘤中占20/26;Ⅰb型在良性肿瘤中占14/24,在恶性肿瘤中占3/26;Ⅰc型在恶性肿瘤中占3/26.Ⅱ型TIC在良性肿瘤中占7/24.在DWI上用ADC值、PWI上用FP期最大信号强度丢失率作诊断,诊断符合率分别为84.0%(42/50)和82.0%(41/50),两者的差异无统计学意义(x2=0.8,P>0.05);AUC测得的准确度分别为81.7%和83.6%,PWI诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的敏感度高.结论 以DWI和PWI的ADC值、FP期信号强度丢失率分别为1.866×10-3mm2/s和40.33%为阈值时,均有利于软组织肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别;TIC最大线性斜率对于软组织肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别意义不大;软组织肿瘤的TIC形态有助于肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别.DWI和PWI用于诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的准确性均为中等,在DWI与PWI用于诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的准确性相近时,应选择诊断敏感度较高的PWI.     

Heat-stroke-induced cerebellar atrophy: clinical course, CT and MRI findings

We report the clinical course and CT and MRI findings in a case of heat-stroke-induced cerebellar atrophy. Although the cerebellar syndrome was severe concomitant with the onset of heat stroke, no abnormality was observed on brain CT in the first 2 weeks following the event. Cerebellar atrophy was first noted after 10 weeks on MRI; it was progressive during a 1-year follow-up. Received: 30 November 1995 Accepted: 1 March 1996     

Multimodality imaging of ovarian cystic lesions: Review with an imaging based algorithmic approach

Ovarian cystic masses include a spectrum of benign, borderline and high grade malignant neoplasms. Imaging plays a crucial role in characterization and pretreatment planning of incidentally detected or suspected adnexal masses, as diagnosis of ovarian malignancy at an early stage is correlated with a better prognosis. Knowledge of differential diagnosis, imaging features, management trends and an algorithmic approach of such lesions is important for optimal clinical management. This article illustrates a multi-modality approach in the diagnosis of a spectrum of ovarian cystic masses and also proposes an algorithmic approach for the diagnosis of these lesions.     

Idiopathic granulomatous hypophysitis: clinical and imaging features

Idiopathic pituitary granuloma is a rare disorder similar to lymphocytic adenohypophysitis. Few cases have been reported. We report a new histologically case proven with MRI. The patterns of clinical and radiological presentation and the management of this disorder are discussed. MRI findings suggestive of this condition include an intensely enhancing pituitary mass, associated with dural enhancement. Steroid therapy may be suggested avoiding unnecessary surgery.     

Gadolinium-DTPA enhancement of soft tissue tumors in magnetic resonance imaging—preliminary clinical experience in five patients

In a preliminary report of a clinical trial of gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) for enhancement of soft tissue tumors in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), experience of the first five cases is presented. Enhancement was found to give better delineation of the tumor in richly vascularized parts of the tumors, compressed tissue immediately surrounding the tumor, and in atrophic, but richly vascularized, muscle.     

Soft-tissue tumors update: MR imaging features according to the WHO classification

Soft-tissue tumors are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Hence, classification is often difficult. The most effective management decisions are made when a working group participates in the same diagnostic standard criteria in the evaluation of soft-tissue tumors. The purpose of this pictorial review is to highlight the new and the less well-known features on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of soft-tissue tumors according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification established in 2002. The article depicts the major changes of the WHO classification since it was established in 2002 and the most significant findings on MR imaging, thereby providing an update.     

Computed tomography evaluation of fatty tumors of the somatic soft tissues: Clinical utility and radiologic-pathologic correlation

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of fatty tumors of the somatic soft tissues was investigated. Six surgically proven cases of fatty tumors were studied preoperatively by CT and standard radiographic means — conventional radiographs, xeroradiography, and angiography. Our case material included a simple lipoma, two infiltrative lipomas, an angiolipoma, and two liposarcomas. The radiologic-pathologic correlation was evaluated with respect to the various imaging modalities. The unique tissue characteristics of fatty tumors makes them particularly adaptable to CT scanning. In addition to its ability to define accurately tissue densities, the facility of CT in depicting depth, size, and extent of the lesion in the axial plane was found to be most useful in the preoperative evaluation of our case metarial.     

Exophytic benign and malignant hepatic tumors: CT imaging features.

Our objective is to describe the CT features of exophytic hepatic tumors those may pose a diagnostic challenge because of the uncertainty of tumor origin. The beak sign and the feeding artery of a tumor are useful diagnostic indicators of exophytic hepatic tumors. Two- or three-dimensional reformation images are also helpful for diagnosis. The CT features of exophytic hepatic tumors are similar to those of the usual intrahepatic tumors except for their location.     

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of musculoskeletal tumors: Basic principles and clinical applications

The purpose of this article is to review the basic principles and clinical applications of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in the musculoskeletal system. This method of physiologic imaging provides clinically useful information by depicting tissue vascularization and perfusion, capillary permeability, and composition of the interstitial space. Different imaging, evaluation, and postprocessing techniques are described. The most important applications in the musculoskeletal system are identification of areas of viable tumor for biopsy, tissue characterization, and monitoring of preoperative chemotherapy. Practical guidelines for performing a dynamic contrast-enhanced MR examination are proposed.     

软组织肿瘤的MR灌注成像与MR波谱成像的比较研究

目的 通过分析软组织肿瘤同一病例相同感兴趣区的MR灌注加权成像(MR-PWI)及MR氢质子波谱(1H-MRS)的功能影像信息,比较两者用于软组织肿瘤的定性诊断价值.方法 研究同时行MR-PWI、1H-MRS的全身各部位软组织肿瘤共40例.比较MR-PWI及1H-MRS各参数在良、恶性肿瘤中的差异,进而对2种诊断方法进行评价.所获数据采用t检验或配对四格表确切概率法分析.结果 MR-PWI良、恶性软组织肿瘤的血流量(BF)值差异有统计学意义(t=2.531,P<0.05),血容量(BV)及平均通过时间(MTT)值差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为1.587和1.732,P值均>0.05);以BF值=4.35 ml·100 mg-1·min-1为阈值,MR-PWI诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为81.8%(18/22),特异度为72.2%(13/18).良、恶性软组织肿瘤的时间信号曲线(TIC)类型比较:Ⅰ a型在良性肿瘤中占3/18,在恶性肿瘤中占17/22;Ⅰ b型在良性肿瘤中占12/18,在恶性肿瘤中占3/22;Ⅰ c型在恶性肿瘤中占2/22.Ⅱ型在良性肿瘤中占3/18.良、恶性软组织肿瘤的胆碱(Cho)、肌酸复合物(Cr)、脂质(Lip)值差异均无统计学意义(t值分别为1.332、1.637、1.986,P值均>0.05),而Cho/Cr比值的差异有统计学意义(t=2.927,P<0.05);以Cho/Cr比值=3.22为阈值,1H-MRS诊断恶性肿瘤的敏感度为86.4%(19/22),特异度为88.9%(16/18).1H-MRS谱线比较:18例良性及17例恶性软组织肿瘤在2.0～2.1ppm(×10-6)处均未出现异常峰,而2例恶性神经鞘瘤和3例恶性纤维组织细胞瘤均在2.0～2.1ppm处出现异常峰.MR-DWI与1H-MRS用于恶性肿瘤诊断准确度的差异无统计学意义(X2=0.125,P>0.05).结论 软组织肿瘤的MR-PWI的BF值、1H-MRS的Cho/Cr比值有利于软组织肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别;软组织肿瘤的TIC形态有助于肿瘤良、恶性的鉴别.MR-PWI和1H-MRS两者用于诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的准确度无明显差异,1H-MRS诊断恶性软组织肿瘤的敏感度和特异度较高.     

Preoperative detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison of combined contrast-enhanced MR imaging and combined CT during arterial portography and CT hepatic arteriography

The aim of this study was to compare Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MR images, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced MR images, combined Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic and SPIO-enhanced MR images, vs combined CT arterial portography (CTAP) and CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA), in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Twenty-four patients with 38 nodular HCCs (5–60 mm, mean 23.0 mm) were retrospectively analyzed. Image reviews were conducted on a liver segment-by-segment basis. A total of 192 segments, including 36 segments with 38 HCC, were reviewed independently by three radiologists. Each radiologist read four sets of images (set 1, unenhanced and Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MR images; set 2, unenhanced and SPIO-enhanced MR images; set 3, combined Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic and SPIO-enhanced MR images; set 4, combined CTAP and CTHA). To minimize any possible learning bias, the reviewing order was randomized and the reviewing procedure was performed in four sessions at 2-week intervals. The diagnostic accuracy (A_z values) for HCCs of combined CTAP and CTHA, combined Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic and SPIO-enhanced MR images, Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MR images, and SPIO-enhanced MR images for all observers were 0.934, 0.963, 0.878, and 0.869, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of combined CTAP and CTHA and combined Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic and SPIO-enhanced MR images was significantly higher than Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MR images or SPIO-enhanced MR images (p<0.005). The mean specificity of combined CTAP and CTHA (93%) and combined Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic and SPIO-enhanced MR images (95%) was significantly higher than Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic MR images (87%) or SPIO-enhanced MR images (88%; p<0.05). Combined Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic and SPIO-enhanced MR images may obviate the need for more invasive combined CTAP and CTHA for the preoperative evaluation of patients with HCC.     

Benign soft tissue masses of the wrist and hand: MRI appearances

We reviewed 20 cases of soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist, and compared the impressions from the original magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reports with the preoperative clinical impression and postoperative pathological diagnoses. The most commonly occurring masses were ganglia, lipomas, and giant cell tumors of tendon sheaths. MR imaging suggested the correct diagnosis in 16 of the 20 cases, whereas the clinical impression was correct in 10 instances. Confident preoperative diagnosis may be made with MR imaging due to the characteristic appearances of many benign soft tissue tumors.