Musculoskeletal haemangiomas: comparison of MRI with CT

MRI and CT findings were reviewed from 11 patients with musculoskeletal haemangiomas. With MRI, morphological characteristics and extent of haemangiomas were optimally demonstrated on T2-weighted spin echo scans. High-resolution contrast-enhanced CT provided equivalent information regarding lesional characteristics and extent for small, localized haemangiomas. In CT evaluation of the extent of large haemangiomas, the radiation dose, transaxial scan plane, amount of intravenous contrast medium required and the necessity for correct timing of post-contrast scans became limiting factors. For such lesions, particularly those extending into the trunk, MRI supplemented by a plain radiograph is the optimum method of evaluation.