Features of long bone diaphysial osteosarcoma on X-ray, CT and MRI

Abstract

Objective To explore the findings of diaphysial osteosarcoma in long bone on X-ray,CT and MRI, and discuss their clinical features and manifestations for differential diagnosis. Methods Twenty-eight cases with diaphysial osteosarcoma in long bone proved by surgery and pathology were reviewed retrospectively. Eighteen tumors were located in the femur, 4 in fibula, 4 in humerus and 2 in tibia. All of the patients were examined by X-ray, CT and MRI. The imaging manifestations on X-ray, CT and MRI were analyzed, and the relationship of the imaging features with the pathological types was also observed. The imaging signs were correlated with the pathologic findings with a double blind method. Results Of the 28 cases, there were 16 cases with large bone destruction, 22 cases with periosteal reaction on X-ray and CT. On X-ray, 18 cases showed soft tissue mass and 12 cases with neoplastic bone and tumor calcification.While on CT, 22 cases showed soft tissue mass on plain scan and 2 more cases displayed soft tissue mass after the injection of contrast mediun. Sixteen cases showed neoplastic bone and tumor calcification on CT.On MRI, there were 10 cases with bone destruction and periosteal reaction with iso- and hypo-intense on T1WI and iso- signals on T2WI. Twenty-six cases showed soft tissue edema and bone marrow on MRI. The soft mass were iso-signals on T1 WI and iso-hyperintense signals on T2 WI or STIR. The soft tissue edema was found hyperintense signals on T2WI or STIR. The lesions had heterogeneous enhancement especially in bone marrow with edema and adjcent soft tissue. Conclusion The X-ray, CT and MRI can reflect the pathological changes of diaphysial osteosarcoma in long bone from different aspects. Lower incidence, large bone destruction and no pathological fracture were the features of diaphysial osteosarcoma. The osteogenic type is diagnosed easily, but the osteolytic lesion should be differentiated from Ewing sarcoma, malignant giant cell tumor of bone and so on. Key words: Osteosarcoma; Diaphysis; Magnetic resonace imaging; Tomography, X-ray computed; Radiography