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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:40
Visualizing Scar Development Using SCAD Assay - An Ex-situ Skin Scarring Assay
Published on: April 28, 2022
The central scar: pathophysiology and imaging features.
Khaled M Elsayes1, Christine M Peterson, Christine O Menias
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0030, USA. kelsayes@med.umich.edu
Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
|October 30, 2007
Summary
The central scar is an uncommon but useful radiologic finding. It aids in diagnosing unknown renal, hepatic, or pancreatic masses using various imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- The central scar is an uncommon finding in abdominal imaging.
- It can be a key feature in diagnosing masses of unknown origin.
- This finding is associated with renal, hepatic, and pancreatic neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the imaging features of abdominal neoplasms with a central scar.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of the central scar in computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasonography.
- To provide a pictorial review for radiologists and clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Review of computed tomography (CT) scans.
- Review of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
- Review of ultrasonographic (US) images.
- Correlation of imaging findings with histopathological diagnoses where available.
Main Results:
- Central scars exhibit characteristic appearances across CT, MR, and US.
- The presence of a central scar can narrow the differential diagnosis for abdominal masses.
- Specific patterns of central scarring are associated with different types of neoplasms.
Conclusions:
- The central scar, though uncommon, is a significant imaging biomarker.
- Recognizing the central scar improves diagnostic accuracy for abdominal neoplasms.
- Multimodality imaging is crucial for characterizing central scars and associated tumors.
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