MR imaging findings in recurrent primary osseous Ewing sarcoma

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing local recurrence of Ewing sarcoma. We retrospectively reviewed radiographs, Tc 99m-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) skeletal scintigraphy, computed tomography scans, and MR studies of 11 patients who had local recurrences of osseous Ewing sarcoma following initial responses to chemotherapy and local radiation. The MR images were compared to those of a control group of nine patients who had no evidence of relapse. T 1- and T 2-weighted MR images identified 9 of the 11 recurrences. Computed tomography was diagnostic in 4 of 6 cases evaluated, Tc 99m-MDP bone scintigraphy in 4 of 11 cases, and plain radiographs in 2 of 10. MR findings at relapse included changes in signal intensity, increased extent of abnormal marrow signal on T 1- and T 2-weighted images, and identification of a new soft tissue mass. These findings suggest that MR imaging is valuable in the routine follow-up of parimary osseous Ewing sarcoma.