Giant cell tumors in imaging

Citation
M. Breitenseher et al., Giant cell tumors in imaging, RADIOLOGE, 41(7), 2001, pp. 568-576
Citations number
33
Language
TEDESCO
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging
Journal title
RADIOLOGE
ISSN journal
0033-832X → ACNP
Volume
41
Issue
7
Year of publication
2001
Pages
568 - 576
Database
ISI
SICI code
0033-832X(200107)41:7<568:GCTII>2.0.ZU;2-W
Abstract
Although classified as benign neoplasms,giant cell tumors are locally aggre ssive with a high recurrence rate of 30-50%. The histological appearance in clude osteoclast-like, multinucleated giant cells and round to spindle-shap ed mono-nuclear stromal cells. These neoplasms predominatly affect adults i n the third and forth decades of life (70-80%). Giant cell tumors predomina tly arise in long tubular bones (75-95%) with the majority occurring around the knee (50%). The next most common site being the distal radius (10%). T he epicenter of giant cell tumors is in the epiphysis. The radiographic sig ns of giant cell tumors are a geographical radiolucentcy with no internal m ineralisationa, a thinning of the cortex, eccentric in the epiphysis of lon g bones. MRI signs of giant cell tumors are high signal intensity in T2-wei ghted images, high contrast media enhancement,fluid levels, signs according to haemorrhage and haemosiderin deposition. CT shows the expanded and thin ned cortex. Plain radiographs remain the mainstay of diagnosis of giant cel l tumors. MRI and CT are important for staging and therefore for surgical p lanning.