Periosteal chondroma of the rib: report of two cases

Periosteal chondroma of the rib: A case report

BACKGROUND

Periosteal chondroma is a very rare benign tumor that develops adjacent to the cortical surface of bone and beneath the periosteal membrane. Periosteal chondroma of the rib is an extremely rare entity.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient was a 43-year-old man who had been incidentally found to have a mediastinal mass 1 mo earlier. Plain computed tomography showed a lobulated soft tissue mass on the right side of the T4/5 vertebra that measured about 47 mm × 28 mm in the transverse view and contained diffuse stippled calcification. The mass caused cortical scalloping of the right fourth rib and marginal bone sclerosis. Enhanced computed tomography showed mild enhancement of the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lobulated mass on the right side of the thoracic vertebra with long TI and T2 signals, mottling, and patchy long T1 and short T2 signals inside. The lesion had a hypointense rim. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed enhancement predominantly at the periphery of the tumor. The tumor was approached through a right posterolateral thoracotomy, and parts of the fourth and fifth ribs were excised with the tumor. Postoperative pathological analysis revealed periosteal chondroma of the rib.

CONCLUSION

Periosteal chondroma of the rib has a low incidence and typical imaging manifestations. Understanding its imaging features is helpful to ensure a correct preoperative diagnosis.

Pediatric thoracic mass lesions: Beyond the common

Thoracic mass lesions can be categorized as originating in one of the three major compartments: a) chest wall and pleura, b) lung parenchyma and airways, c) mediastinum. While some of these, such as lymphoma, are common in both children and adults, others are rare and unique to childhood. The goal of this review is to familiarize radiologists with unusual but distinctive mass lesions of the pediatric thorax.

Imaging features of juxtacortical chondroma in children

BACKGROUND

Juxtacortical chondroma is a rare benign bone lesion in children. Children usually present with a mildly painful mass, which prompts diagnostic imaging studies. The rarity of this condition often presents a diagnostic challenge. Correct diagnosis is crucial in guiding surgical management.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristic imaging findings of juxtacortical chondroma in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified all children who were diagnosed with juxtacortical chondroma between 1998 and 2012. A single experienced pediatric radiologist reviewed all diagnostic imaging studies, including plain radiographs, CT, MR and bone scans.

RESULTS

Seven children (5 boys and 2 girls) with juxtacortical chondroma were identified, ranging in age from 6 years to 16 years (mean 12.3 years). Mild pain and a palpable mass were present in all seven children. Plain radiographs were available in 6/7, MR in 7/7, CT in 4/7 and skeletal scintigraphy in 5/7 children. Three lesions were located in the proximal humerus, with one each in the distal radius, distal femur, proximal tibia and scapula. Radiographic and CT features deemed highly suggestive of juxtacortical chondroma included cortical scalloping, underlying cortical sclerosis and overhanging margins. MRI features consistent with juxtacortical chondroma included isointensity to skeletal muscle on T1, marked hyperintensity on T2 and peripheral rim enhancement after contrast agent administration. One of seven lesions demonstrated intramedullary extension, and 2/7 showed adjacent soft-tissue edema.

CONCLUSION

Juxtacortical chondroma is an uncommon benign lesion in children with characteristic features on plain radiographs, CT and MR. Recognition of these features is invaluable in guiding appropriate surgical management.

Multifocal periosteal chondromas in the ring finger of an adolescent boy: case report

We describe an unusual case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with a loss of motion in the ring finger caused by 2 separate periosteal chondromas involving the proximal and middle phalanges. Range of motion improved and recurrence did not occur at the 5-year follow-up after marginal excision of both lesions.

A report of a rare phalangeal periosteal chondroma of the foot

Periosteal chondroma is a benign, slow-growing cartilaginous tumor that typically occurs at the metaphysis of long tubular bones beneath the periosteal membrane. A case is presented of a 42-year-old male who developed a firm, tender, uneven mass encircling the lateral, dorsal, and medial aspects of the right second proximal phalanx following a traumatic event. The mass was excised en toto and histopathologic findings are presented.

Periosteal chondroma of the clavicle: case report and review of the literature

Periosteal chondromas (juxtacortical chondromas), are slow growing, rare cartilaginous lesion that arises adjacent to the cortex beneath the periosteum. They occur more in males in their 20s. We report a rare case of periosteal chondroma arising from the left clavicle of a 56 year old male. We could only find one reported case in the English literature of periosteal chondroma arising from the research and to the best of our knowledge, this is the second reported case.

Periosteal chondroma at birth

Periosteal chondroma is a slow-growing, cartilaginous, surface tumor that usually occurs in the second and third decades of life. The youngest reported age at diagnosis is 5 years. Marginal excision is the treatment of choice. We report a case of a periosteal chondroma noted at birth and treated conservatively. This report expands the age range of periosteal chondroma to include neonates and suggests a role for observation in its management.

Periosteal chondroma of the rib possibly associated with hemothorax: a case report

We report on a case of spontaneous hemothorax occurring in a 13-year-old boy with periosteal chondroma of the rib. Periosteal chondromas are rare, particularly in the ribs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of periosteal chondroma of the rib associated with hemothorax.

Periosteal chondroma of the rib--report of a case and literature review

Periosteal chondroma is a rare benign tumor of hyaline cartilage. It develops adjacent to the cortex of the bone and is rimmed by an intact periosteal membrane. Periosteal chondromas are most common in the metaphyses of long bones followed by the small tubular bones of the hands and feet. Periosteal chondroma arising in the rib is an extremely rare event. We could only find 10 reported cases in the English literature. We present a case of periosteal chondroma in the rib discovered incidentally on chest x-ray of an 11-year-old girl.