Chondroblastoma: classic and confusing appearance at MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE

To define the characteristics of chondroblastoma at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and the combination of findings that are diagnostic for chondroblastoma.

METHODS

From January 1987 through December 1992, 22 patients with histologically confirmed chondroblastoma and prior MR imaging examinations were seen. Patients included 16 men and six women, aged 10-58 years (median, 17 years). Retrospective analysis of findings at MR imaging, plain radiography, computed tomography, and bone scanning was performed.

RESULTS

Low to intermediate heterogeneous signal intensity, lobular internal architecture, and fine lobular margins were well defined with high-resolution T2-weighted (repetition time > or = 1,500 msec, echo time > or = 70 msec) MR imaging. Adjacent bone-marrow and soft-tissue edema and periosteal reactions were more dramatically demonstrated on MR images than on radiographs. Bone marrow edema was prominent in all but five cases. Obvious periosteal reaction and adjacent soft-tissue edema were visible in 17 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the MR imaging findings of chondroblastoma will allow accurate diagnosis and help avoid confusion with infection and aggressive neoplasms.