MRI of chondromyxoid fibroma

Update of cartilaginous tumours according to the WHO classification 2020

Cartilaginous tumours are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterised by the presence of a chondroid matrix, with lobular growth and arcuate, ring-like or popcorn-like calcification patterns. MRI shows hyperintensity in T2-weighted sequences and a lobulated or septal relief in postcontrast images. In the WHO 2020 classification, chondral tumours are classified as benign, intermediate or malignant. Despite technological advances, they continue to pose a challenge for both the radiologist and the pathologist, being the main difficulty the differentiation between benign and malignant tumours, which is why they require a multidisciplinary approach. This paper describes the main changes introduced in the 2020 update, describes the imaging characteristics of the main cartilaginous tumours and provides the radiological keys to differentiate between benign and malignant tumours.

Chondromyxoid fibroma of the iliac bone: a brief radiological review

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare, benign bone tumour most commonly located within the metaphyseal region of the long bones surrounding the knee joint. Here, we present an interesting case of a young woman in her early 20s with CMF of the left iliac bone and include a literature review of comparable studies with an emphasis on radiological findings and important differential diagnoses to be aware of in this atypical location.

How I do it: Surgical Resection of a Recurrent Chondromyxoid Fibroma by Micro-Endoscopic Combination Technique

BACKGROUND

The surgical resection of the tumor spreading into the cavernous sinus (CS) is complicated and challenging.

METHOD

We report a left recurrent CS chondromyxoid fibroma occupying the clival-petrous apex-parasellar-suprasellar area, which was totally removed by the micro-endo combination technique via the middle cranial fossa extradural approach.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the value of the micro-endoscopic combination technique for complicated skull base surgery.

Cement arthrodesis of the knee using combined intramedullary nail, plate and screws after wide excision in huge chondromyxoid fibroma of proximal tibia, a case report

Introduction and importance

Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm, a mixture of benign cartilage and fibrous and myxoid tissue. It usually affects young people, commonly in the second and third decades of life with male being predominant. Differential diagnosess in chondromyxoid fibroma, are giant cell tumor, bone cyst, enchondroma, osteoblastoma, and low-grade chondrosarcoma.

Case presentation

We present a case of an 18-years-old male, with chief complaint of pain on the right knee since 3 year ago with an increasing size reaching diameter of 55 cm within three years. The radiograph and MRI revealed lytic blastic expansile multiloculated lesion, with wide transitional zone, and periosteal reaction on the epymetadiaphyseal part of right proximal tibia. The surgical procedure was performed consist of wide excision, reconstruction by cement knee arthrodesis using Kuntscher-nail, dynamic compression plate, bone cement and gastrocnemius flap.

Clinical discussion

After 3 months of surgery follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence, the patient walked partially weight bearing with a crutch. In 1 years post operative follow up, the Muscukoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring (MSTS) was 80%. There was no sign of recurrence.

Conclusion

In cases with large tumor size, wide excision with bone and soft tissue reconstructive surgery is required as mechanical and biological reconstruction. The cement arthrodesis provides a faster duration of surgery, lower risk of infection, and good functional outcome.

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Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm, mixture of benign cartilage and fibrous and myxoid tissue

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There are no specific recommendation in management of chondromyxoid fibroma due to limited published article with chondromyxoid fibroma.

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The mechanical and biological reconstruction are very important during reconstructive surgery.

Radiological manifestations of chondromyxoid fibroma in the zygoma: A case report and literature review

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare benign bone tumor of cartilaginous origin, with an extremely rare craniofacial occurrence. Considering its rarity, craniofacial CMF presents a diagnostic challenge for radiologists. To our knowledge, only seven cases of zygomatic CMF have been described in the literature, only one of which was in the paediatric age group. Furthermore, none of the currently reported cases include MRI findings of zygomatic CMF. Here, we present a paediatric case of CMF of the zygoma with a comprehensive literature review of the reported cases, focusing on their radiological features and its differential diagnosis.

Chondrogenic Bone Tumors: The Importance of Imaging Characteristics

BACKGROUND

 Chondrogenic tumors are the most frequent primary bone tumors. Malignant chondrogenic tumors represent about one quarter of malignant bone tumors. Benign chondrogenic bone tumors are frequent incidental findings at imaging. Radiological parameters may be helpful for identification, characterization, and differential diagnosis.

METHODS

 Systematic PubMed literature research. Identification and review of studies analyzing and describing imaging characteristics of chondrogenic bone tumors.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

 The 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification system differentiates between benign, intermediate (locally aggressive or rarely metastasizing), and malignant chondrogenic tumors. On imaging, typical findings of differentiated chondrogenic tumors are lobulated patterns with a high signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ring- and arc-like calcifications on conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT). Depending on the entity, the prevalence of this chondrogenic pattern differs. While high grade tumors may be identified due to aggressive imaging patterns, the differentiation between benign and intermediate grade chondrogenic tumors is challenging, even in an interdisciplinary approach.

KEY POINTS

  · The WHO defines benign, intermediate, and malignant chondrogenic bone tumors. · Frequent benign tumors: osteochondroma and enchondroma; Frequent malignant tumor: conventional chondrosarcoma. · Differentiation between enchondroma versus low-grade chondrosarcoma is challenging for radiologists and pathologists. · Pain, deep scalloping, cortical destruction, bone expansion, soft tissue component: favor chondrosarcoma. · Potential malignant transformation of osteochondroma: progression after skeletal maturity, cartilage cap thickness (> 2 cm adult; > 3 cm child). · Potentially helpful advanced imaging methods: Dynamic MRI, texture analysis, FDG-PET/CT.

CITATION FORMAT

· Engel H, Herget GW, Füllgraf H et al. Chondrogenic Bone Tumors: The Importance of Imaging Characteristics. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 262 - 274.

Secondary aneurysmal bone cysts and associated primary lesions: imaging features of 49 cases

PURPOSE

To describe the imaging, anatomic, and clinical features of a series of secondary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) and to ascertain their most commonly associated primary bone lesions.

METHODS

Forty-nine cases of histopathologically proven secondary ABCs were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data and clinical history were obtained. Radiographic, computed tomographic, magnetic resonance, and nuclear medicine imaging were analyzed. Lesion location, imaging characteristics, and associated primary lesions were documented. Linear regression analysis and Chi-squared testing was performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four males and 25 females were included, with an age range of 8-79 years (mean 29.7 + - 4.5 years). Eleven types of primary bone lesion were identified, with giant-cell tumor (n = 17, 35%), chondroblastoma (n = 11, 22%), fibrous dysplasia (n = 6, 12%), osteoblastoma (n = 4, 8%) and osteosarcoma (n = 4, 8%) being the most frequent. The lesions involved chiefly the long bone epiphyses (n = 25, 51%). Secondary ABC imaging findings and locations most closely approximated those of their primary counterparts, although fluid-fluid levels were seen at a higher frequency than previously reported in primary chondroblastoma (9/11, 82%), fibrous dysplasia (2/6, 33%), osteoblastoma (4/4, 100%), osteosarcoma (3/4, 75%), and chondromyxoid fibroma (1/2, 50%).

CONCLUSION

The most common primary lesions associated with secondary ABC were giant cell tumor and chondroblastoma, located in the long bone epiphyses. The majority of the secondary ABCs demonstrate predominant imaging characteristics typical of the primary bone lesions, but with a higher presence of fluid-fluid levels.

Chondromyxoid Fibroma of the Pelvis: Institutional Case Series With a Focus on Distinctive Features

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a relatively uncommon benign bone tumor of cartilaginous differentiation. The primary pitfall in the histopathologic diagnosis of CMF is confusion with a high-grade chondrosarcoma, owing to the atypical stellate and spindled cells set within a chondromyxoid background. CMF is particularly challenging to diagnose within the pelvis, where clinical suspicion for chondrosarcoma is high and benign lesions may grow to a large size to occupy the pelvic bones. In our practice, we noted this difficulty in several consecutive cases, especially when older patients presented with CMF within the pelvis. This prompted an institutional retrospective case review of all CMF within the pelvis. In 10 cases, we found overall that CMF of pelvis occurred in an older age range (mean age = 48.6 years), was larger in size (mean size = 6.0 cm), and showed a higher rate of soft tissue extension (50%) as compared with prior reports of nonpelvic CMF. Typical histologic features of CMF were seen in all cases; however, a high frequency of dystrophic calcification (50%) and necrosis (30%) was observed. Of interest, these aggregate demographic, radiologic, and histologic findings are all consistent with a benign neoplasm that has grown undetected within the pelvis over a long period of time. Recognition of these differences between pelvic CMF and tumors involving other sites will aid in avoiding misdiagnosis of this uncommon entity.

Preliminary Exploration of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Skull-Based Chondromyxoid Fibromas

BACKGROUND

Chondromyxoid fibromas (CMFs) are benign tumors that occur rarely in the skull base.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a preliminary exploration of the diagnosis and treatment of cranial CMFs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 19 cases of CMFs in the base of the skull between 2009 and 2014 in our hospital was conducted. The clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, pathology, treatment strategies, and outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 7 women (36.8%) and 12 men (63.2%), and symptom duration ranged from 1 mo to 5 yr. Of the 19 intracranial CMF cases examined, 15 (78.9%) conformed with the diagnostic criteria for extracranial CMF. Resection operations yielded subtotal removal of 13 tumors (68.4%) and partial removal of 6 tumors (31.6%). Postoperative pathological analysis demonstrated that the tumors were characterized by spindle-shaped or stellate cells arranged in a myxoid matrix without mitoses or permeation. Follow-up (range 2-7.3 yr; mean, 4.4 ± 1.7 yr) revealed that symptoms improved postoperatively in 15 cases (78.9%), were maintained in 2 cases (10.5%), and worsened in 2 cases (10.5%). Imaging follow-up revealed that residual tumors were stable in 18 cases (94.7%) and enlarged in 1 case (5.3%).

CONCLUSION

An accurate diagnosis should involve comprehensive consideration of clinical, radiological, and pathological features. The treatment strategy for CMFs consists of maximizing tumor removal while protecting adjacent key structures. Postoperative stereotactic radiotherapy is appropriate for residual tumors.

Peering beneath the surface: Juxtacortical tumors of bone (part I)

Juxtacortical or surface tumors of bone are neoplasms arising from or just outside the cortex, and are composed of different histologic types. Although the imaging appearances of these lesions have similarities to their intramedullary counterparts, their location alters their radiographic and MR characteristics, creating difficulties in diagnosis. Meanwhile, several non-neoplastic lesions, such as stress reaction/stress fracture and indolent infectious processes, compound the differential diagnosis. Neoplastic juxtacortical lesions of bone have been classified into five categories: cartilaginous, fibrous, lipomatous, osseous, and metastatic tumors. Our goal in part one of this review is to illustrate the characteristic radiographic, CT and MR imaging features of various juxtacortical neoplasms, including pathognomonic imaging findings that can aid in diagnosis, and to develop an appropriate differential diagnosis for surface lesions based on imaging characteristics, lesion location and patient age.

An intracortical chondromyxoid fibroma in the diaphysis of the metatarsal

Chondromyxoid fibromas (CMFs) are rare, benign, primary tumors of bones, and occur in the metaphyses of the medullary canals of the long bones. The occurrence of intracortical CMFs is extremely rare. Very few cases of intracortical CMFs located in the long tubular bones have been reported to date. Moreover, even though the feet are the second most common site for CMF (after the knees), intracortical metatarsal CMF has not been reported previously, to our knowledge. We report an intracortical CMF occurring in the diaphysis of the metatarsal in a 17-year-old man. It showed the same imaging findings as usual intramedullary CMFs, except for its cortical location. The development and serial increase in this tumor over time are also demonstrated in this report. Additionally, we present a review of current literature on intracortical CMFs.

Benign Bone Conditions That May Be FDG-avid and Mimic Malignancy

Positron emission tomography with the radiotracer ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) plays an important role in the evaluation of bone pathology. However, FDG is not a cancer-specific agent, and knowledge of the differential diagnosis of benign FDG-avid bone alterations that may resemble malignancy is important for correct patient management, including the avoidance of unnecessary additional invasive tests such as bone biopsy. This review summarizes and illustrates the spectrum of benign bone conditions that may be FDG-avid and mimic malignancy, including osteomyelitis, bone lesions due to benign systemic diseases (Brown tumor, Erdheim-Chester disease, Gaucher disease, gout and other types of arthritis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and sarcoidosis), benign primary bone lesions (bone cysts, chondroblastoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, desmoplastic fibroma, enchondroma, giant cell tumor and granuloma, hemangioma, nonossifying fibroma, and osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma), and a group of miscellaneous benign bone conditions (post bone marrow biopsy or harvest status, bone marrow hyperplasia, fibrous dysplasia, fractures, osteonecrosis, Paget disease of bone, particle disease, and Schmorl nodes). Several ancillary clinical and imaging findings may be helpful in discriminating benign from malignant FDG-avid bone lesions. However, this distinction is sometimes difficult or even impossible, and tissue acquisition will be required to establish the final diagnosis.

Safety and efficacy of angiographic occlusion of duodenal varices as an alternative to TIPS: review of 32 cases

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE OF STUDY: Analyze safety and efficacy of angiographic-occlusion-with-sclerotherapy/embolotherapy-without-transjugular-intrahepatic-portosystemic-shunt (TIPS) for duodenal varices. Although TIPS is considered the best intermediate-to-long term therapy after failed endoscopic therapy for bleeding varices, the options are not well-defined when TIPS is relatively contraindicated, with scant data on alternative therapies due to relative rarity of duodenal varices. Prior cases were identified by computerized literature search, supplemented by one illustrative case. Favorable clinical outcome after angiography defined as no rebleeding during follow-up, without major procedural complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases of duodenal varices treated by angiographic-occlusion-with-sclerotherapy/embolotherapy- without-TIPS were analyzed. Patients averaged 59.5 ± 12.2 years old (female = 59%). Patients presented with melena-16, hematemesis & melena-5, large varices-5, growing varices-2, ruptured varices-1, and other- 3. Twenty-nine patients had cirrhosis; etiologies included: alcoholism-11, hepatitis C-11, primary biliary cirrhosis- 3, hepatitis B-2, Budd-Chiari-1, and idiopathic-1. Three patients did not have cirrhosis, including hepatic metastases from rectal cancer-1, Wilson's disease-1, and chronic liver dysfunction-1. Thirty-one patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy before therapeutic angiography, including fifteen undergoing endoscopic variceal therapy. Therapeutic angiographic techniques included balloon-occluded retrograde-transvenous-obliteration (BRTO) with sclerotherapy and/or embolization-21, DBOE (double-balloon-occluded-embolotherapy)-5, and other-6. Twenty-eight patients (87.5%; 95%-confidence interval: 69-100%) had favorable clinical outcomes after therapeutic angiography. Three patients were therapeutic failures: rebleeding at 0, 5, or 10 days after therapy. One major complication (Enterobacter sepsis) and one minor complication occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

This work suggests that angiographic-occlusion-with sclerotherapy/ embolotherapy-without-TIPS is relatively effective (~90% hemostasis-rate), and relatively safe (3% major-complication-rate). This therapy may be a useful treatment option for duodenal varices when endoscopic therapy fails and TIPS is relatively contraindicated.

Chondromyxoid Fibroma of Two Cervical Vertebrae with Involvement of Surrounding Soft Tissue: Radiologic Diagnostic Dilemma

Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm that mostly affects the metaphyseal region of the long bones. The tibia, small tubular bones of the foot, the distal femur and pelvis are common locations, but involvement of the vertebral bones, especially the cervical vertebra, is very rare. Radiographic features show typical characteristics and this tumor often presents as a lobulated, eccentric radiolucent lesion with no periosteal reaction. In addition, geographic bone destruction is seen in all cases. We present an adult female with a one-year history of neck pain, and ultrasound findings that suggest a right paravertebral muscular lesion due to inflammatory or neoplastic origins. The histopathological studies confirmed that the biopsied specimen was a chondromyxoid fibroma of the cervical vertebrae laminae and spinous processes (C3 and C4) with abutting soft tissue. Despite the unusual location and soft tissue presentation, a chondromyxoid fibroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cervical bone lesion.

Tibial cortical lesions: a multimodality pictorial review

Shin pain is a common complaint, particularly in young and active patients, with a wide range of potential diagnoses and resulting implications. We review the natural history and multimodality imaging findings of the more common causes of cortically-based tibial lesions, as well as the rarer pathologies less frequently encountered in a general radiology department.

Chondromyxoid fibroma management: a single institution experience of 22 cases

Background

Several different strategies have been reported for the treatment of chondromyxoid fibromas, all with variable outcomes and high recurrence rates.

Methods

We report on 22 consecutive cases of chondromyxoid fibromas treated by intralesional curettage, four of which had adjuvant cementation at our institution between 2003 and 2010. We assessed the functional outcome using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system.

Results

Nine males and 16 females with a mean age of 36.5 years (range 11 to 73) and a mean follow-up of 60.7 months were included in the study. Local recurrence occurred in two patients (9%) within the first 2 years following the index procedure. This was treated by re-curettage only of the residual defect. Two postoperative complications occurred: a superficial wound infection in one patient and a transient deep peroneal nerve neurapraxia in the other. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 96.7%.

Conclusions

Intralesional curettage and cementation is as an effective treatment strategy for chondromyxoid fibromas, providing satisfactory functional results with a low recurrence rate. Careful case selection with stringent clinical and radiographic follow-up is recommended.

Intra-articular angioleiomyoma of the knee with an atypical finding on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: a case report

Introduction

Angioleiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor. It originates in the tunica media of veins. In general, it arises from the dermis, subcutaneous fat and fascia of lower extremities in middle-aged women. The case of intra-articular occurrence is very rare.

Case presentation

This case report describes a 30-year-old Asian man with a 6-month history of recurrent pain localized in the lateral side of his left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an isolated intra-articular lesion. We performed a surgical excision of this lesion. On histological examination, the diagnosis of angioleiomyoma was confirmed. After the surgery, he recovered completely. Furthermore, no sign of recurrence was observed 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

In this study, we report a rare case of intra-articular angioleiomyoma of the knee. The mass showed atypical findings on magnetic resonance imaging including gadolinium-enhanced imaging in comparison to previously reported intra-articular lesions. This intra-articular tumor is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery due to paucity of information.

Myxoma of the vomer bone

Myxomas of bone in the head and neck are rare tumors. We present a 68 year old female with pain and epistaxis who was found to have the first reported case of a myxoma arising within the vomer bone. Some atypical magnetic resonance imaging features are described, however, myxoma imaging features are often non-specific and typically evoke a benign differential diagnosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.