HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nishimura, H. Articles by Sun, S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Nishimura, H. Articles by Sun, S. Related Collections Magnetic Resonance Imaging Gastrointestinal Radiology

MR Imaging of Soft-Tissue Masses of the Extraperitoneal Spaces¹

¹ From the Department of Radiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-Machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan (H.N., Y.Z., K.O., M.U., N.H.); and the Department of Radiology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City (S.S.). Presented as an education exhibit at the 2000 RSNA scientific assembly. Received January 29, 2001; revision requested March 7; final revision received May 25; accepted May 25. Address correspondence to H.N. (e-mail: hnishim@med.kurume-u.ac.jp).

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has an increasing role in evaluating soft-tissue masses of the extraperitoneal spaces. Since the MR imaging features of most soft-tissue masses are nonspecific, prediction of a specific histologic diagnosis remains a challenge for the radiologist. However, there are certain specific MR imaging appearances that are helpful for more accurate diagnosis. Some histologic components, such as myxoid stroma, collagen fibers, calcification, and fat, have characteristic MR imaging features. Recognition of these features can assist the radiologist in limiting the differential diagnosis. Dynamic enhancement patterns can reflect the vascularity of masses and may be useful in diagnosis, especially in differentiating benign from malignant soft-tissue masses. Familiarity with specific signs and knowledge of diagnostic pitfalls are also important for shortening the list of differential diagnoses. Specific signs are the target sign, the bowl of fruit sign, a whorled appearance, a flow void, speckled enhancement, associated lymphadenopathy, and extension into the intervertebral foramen. Diagnostic pitfalls are as follows: a myxoid stroma simulating cystic degeneration and necrosis, collagen fibers simulating hemorrhage, a fat component simulating extraperitoneal fat, extensive intratumoral hemorrhage simulating hematoma, benign masses mimicking malignant ones, malignant masses mimicking benign ones, and peritoneal lesions mimicking extraperitoneal masses.

Index Terms: Retroperitoneal space, MR, 87.1214 • Retroperitoneal space, neoplasms, 87.30 • Soft tissues, MR, 87.1214 • Soft tissues, neoplasms, 87.30

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Secil, U. Mungan, K. Yorukoglu, and O. Dicle Case 89: Retroperitoneal Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma Radiology, December 1, 2005; 237(3): 880 - 883. [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. P. Banks The Target Sign: Extremity Radiology, March 1, 2005; 234(3): 899 - 900. [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. A. Torigian and E. S. Siegelman CT Findings of Pelvic Lipomatosis of Nerve Am. J. Roentgenol., March 1, 2005; 184(3_supp): S94 - S96. [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. M. Wilkinson, D. Manson, and C. R. Smith Best Cases from the AFIP: Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Bladder RadioGraphics, October 1, 2004; 24(suppl_1): S237 - S242. [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Nishino, K. Hayakawa, M. Minami, A. Yamamoto, H. Ueda, and K. Takasu Primary Retroperitoneal Neoplasms: CT and MR Imaging Findings with Anatomic and Pathologic Diagnostic Clues RadioGraphics, January 1, 2003; 23(1): 45 - 57. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]