The imaging characteristics of naso-sinus chondrosarcoma

M.R.I diagnosis of tumours and tumour-like conditions affecting the pterygopalatine fossa

OBJECTIVES

To create awareness to the radiologist and clinicians for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of Pterygopalatine fossa (PTF) tumours and to evaluate the role of MRI in the diagnostic of PTF lesions.

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective evaluation of MRI features of 29 patients with pathologically proved pterygopalatine fossa (PTF) lesions was performed. The study included 18 males and 11 females with ages ranging between 15 and 68 years. All patients were examined on 1.5 Tesla magnets before and after injection of Gadolinium Meglumine. TI WI 5mm section sagittal scout views, followed by axial T1 5mm sections for the skull base and same sliced thickness during PD and T2 WI in axial and coronal planes.

RESULTS

MRI features of various masses in pterygopalatine fossa were reviewed and correlated with those demonstrated in the literatures. Out of 29 PF masses, 7 masses were proved to be angiofibroma and 6 were nasopharyngeal carcinoma, entering the PTF.

CONCLUSION

MRI is a useful imaging test which helps in the differential diagnosis of pterygopalatine fossa lesions with precise evaluation of their extensions and nature of lesion and helping to reach the correct diagnosis. However, MRI has limitation for evaluation of associated bony erosion, for which adjuvant CT scan is needed.

Chondrosarcoma of nose and paranasal sinus - a rare presentation

Chondrosarcoma, the most malignant cartilageneous tumor, constitute only 4% of non-epithelial tumours of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx, making it one of the rarest malignancies. Here we present a case of Grade 1 chondrosarcoma involving nose, maxillary sinus, ethmoids and sphenoid sinus managed surgically by wide excision. 12 months follow-up reveled no recurrence or complication.

Sinonasal imaging: malignant disease

The clinical presentation of sinonasal malignancy overlaps that of more common benign inflammatory disease. For this reason, unsuspected malignant lesions are often first recognized on the screening CT exam. We will focus on the initial CT appearance of various malignancies and discuss the goals of imaging including the use of MR.

Callus originating in the laryngeal skeleton, presenting as a neck lump: a case report

We report on the case of a young woman, presenting with a left lateral neck lump, which turned out to be a bony callus originating from the thyroid cartilage; similar but smaller lesions were found on the same side in the hyoid and cricoid cartilages. The CT, MRI and pathological findings are described.