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Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
[CT and MRI manifestations of pediatric presacral tumors]
Miao Fan1, Qian Peng, Xiao-Yan Wang
1Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively image pediatric presacral tumors. These imaging techniques help differentiate tumor types and assess invasion, aiding in diagnosis before surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Oncology Imaging
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Presacral tumors in children present characteristic imaging findings.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial for preoperative assessment of pediatric presacral tumors, including location, content, and invasion.
- Accurate preoperative imaging is vital for surgical planning and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the CT and MRI features of pediatric presacral tumors.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of CT and MRI in differentiating and characterizing these tumors.
- To correlate imaging findings with pathological results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CT and MRI data from 24 pediatric presacral tumors.
- Correlation of imaging findings with histopathological diagnoses.
- Detailed assessment of tumor characteristics including type, margin, enhancement patterns, and invasion.
Main Results:
- Cystic tumors (n=6) showed clear margins and capsular enhancement, confirmed as benign.
- Solid tumors (n=5) exhibited inhomogeneous enhancement and were malignant.
- Cystic-solid or necrotic masses (n=13) included teratomas, endodermal sinus tumors, and neuroblastoma, with varied imaging features and some showing sacrum invasion.
- Tumor margins were unclear in 5 cases, and sacrum invasion was noted in 4 cases.
Conclusions:
- CT and MRI clearly depict the location and extent of pediatric presacral tumors.
- Imaging features on CT and MRI allow for accurate diagnosis of most pediatric presacral tumors.
- Advanced imaging aids in distinguishing benign from malignant pediatric presacral masses.
Background And Objective:
The imaging of presacral tumors in children is characteristic. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have great values in identifying the position, contents and invasion of pediatric presacral tumors before operation. This study was to investigate the CT and MRI features of pediatric presacral tumors, and evaluate the diagnostic values of CT and MRI.
Methods:
The CT and MRI data of 24 pediatric presacral tumors were analyzed together with pathologic results.
Results:
Six cases of pediatric presacral tumors were cystic type, with clear margin and complete capsule, and were composed of multi-capsular spaces; on enhanced scan, the capsular wall showed enhancement, while the cystic contents didn't; all these six cases were confirmed benign by pathology. Five cases were solid type and were enhanced inhomogeneously; all were confirmed malignant by pathology. Thirteen cases were cystic-solid type or with obvious necrosis in solid mass. Of the 13 cases, seven were cystic-solid teratoma (including four benign teratomas and three malignant teratomas confirmed by pathology), containing strip calcification, soft tissue and fat; five were endodermal sinus tumors, showing alveolate enhancement; one was neuroblastoma, with macro-lamellar necrosis, extension to the canalis vertebralis and sacrum invasion. Five tumors, including three teratomas, one rhabdomyosarcoma and one endodermal sinus tumor, had unclear margin. Sacrum invasion was found in one teratoma, one rhabdomyosarcoma, one neuroblastoma and one lymphangioma.
Conclusions:
The location and extend of pediatric presacral tumors can by clearly pictured on CT and MRI. Most tumors can be correctly diagnosed according to their imaging features.
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