Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
Subcutaneous granuloma annulare: MR imaging features in six children and literature review
S Chung1, D P Frush, N S Prose
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, NC 27710, USA.
Purpose:
To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA), a rare mass of early childhood.
Materials And Methods:
MR imaging studies and clinical records in six children aged 2 1/2-4 years in whom SGA was diagnosed between 1993 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. All MR imaging examinations included T1-weighted and fast spin-echo T2-weighted sequences. Three children received intravenous contrast material. The diagnosis was established by using excisional biopsy results, with confirmation by means of characteristic features in mucin-stained specimens.
Results:
All children presented with a nontender, nonmobile mass. The lesion in all six children was confined to the pretibial (n = 5) or prepatellar (n = 1) soft tissues. MR imaging characteristics were uniform. Masses were subcutaneous in location and had ill-defined margins. On T1-weighted images, the lesion was isointense or slightly hyperintense to muscle. On T2-weighted images, the signal intensity was more heterogeneous, but the lesion was predominantly hyperintense. In three children who received contrast material, the lesion enhanced nearly homogeneously.
Conclusion:
Although SGA can often be diagnosed on the basis of clinical characteristics, MR imaging may be requested by practitioners unfamiliar with the lesion. In these cases, with recognition of typical MR imaging features, a limited biopsy and specific histologic preparation that includes mucin staining can be recommended.
Insights
Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) in children presents as a nontender mass. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging shows characteristic findings, aiding diagnosis when clinical presentation is unclear.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Dermatopathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is a rare pediatric soft tissue mass.
- Clinical diagnosis can be challenging for unfamiliar practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) in pediatric patients.
- To correlate MR imaging findings with histopathological confirmation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR imaging studies and clinical records of six children diagnosed with SGA.
- Inclusion of T1-weighted, T2-weighted sequences, and contrast-enhanced imaging in some cases.
- Histopathological confirmation via excisional biopsy and mucin staining.
Main Results:
- SGA lesions were consistently found in subcutaneous pretibial or prepatellar soft tissues.
- MR imaging revealed ill-defined, subcutaneous masses, isointense to slightly hyperintense on T1-weighted images.
- Lesions were predominantly hyperintense and heterogeneous on T2-weighted images, with homogeneous enhancement post-contrast.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrates characteristic features of SGA in children.
- Recognition of these MR imaging findings can guide diagnosis and recommend appropriate biopsy with mucin staining.
- MR imaging serves as a valuable tool when clinical diagnosis of SGA is uncertain.