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MR imaging findings of pilomatricomas: a radiological-pathological correlation
Hiroki Kato1, Masayuki Kanematsu2, Haruo Watanabe3
1Department of Radiology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan hkato@gifu-u.ac.jp.
Background:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of pilomatricomas have yet to be determined.
Purpose:
To assess the correlation between MRI and pathological findings of pilomatricomas.
Material And Methods:
MR images were obtained on patients with histologically proven pilomatricomas using a 1.5-T MR scanner. The images were retrospectively reviewed for size, signal intensity compared with skeletal muscles, and enhancement patterns. Furthermore, we assessed the presence of a reticular appearance, a ring-like appearance, and peritumoral fat stranding.
Results:
We included 11 consecutive patients with 12 histologically proven pilomatricomas (3 boys/men, 8 girls/women; age range, 4-76 years; mean age, 20 years; median age, 14 years). The tumors were located in the head and neck (n = 6), upper extremities (n = 5), and lower extremities (n = 1). The maximum tumor diameter was in the range of 7-32 mm (mean, 16.5 mm). On T2-weighted (T2W) images, five tumors showed homogeneous hypointensity, whereas six showed reticular hyperintensity and one showed cystic hyperintensity. On fat-suppressed T2W images, nine tumors showed reticular hyperintensity, eight showed ring-like hyperintensity, and five showed peritumoral fat stranding. On fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted (T1W) images, one tumor showed no enhancement, whereas three showed reticular enhancement and five showed ring-like enhancement. Histologically, edematous and fibrous stroma was observed in 10 tumors, tumor capsules in 11, and inflammatory cell infiltration of the peritumoral fat tissue in nine.
Conclusion:
MRI features of pilomatricomas included reticular and ring-like hyperintensities on fat-suppressed T2W images and reticular and ring-like enhancement on fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1W images.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help diagnose pilomatricomas. Key MRI findings include reticular and ring-like hyperintensities on fat-suppressed T2W images and enhancement patterns on T1W images.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pilomatricomas are benign skin tumors with characteristic calcification.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for pilomatricomas are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate MRI findings with pathological features of pilomatricomas.
- To identify specific MRI characteristics indicative of pilomatricomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR images from 11 patients with histologically confirmed pilomatricomas.
- Analysis of tumor size, signal intensity, enhancement patterns, and specific imaging features (reticular appearance, ring-like appearance, peritumoral fat stranding).
Main Results:
- Pilomatricomas varied in size (7-32 mm) and location (head/neck, extremities).
- Characteristic MRI findings included reticular and ring-like hyperintensities on fat-suppressed T2W images.
- Reticular and ring-like enhancement patterns were observed on fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1W images.
Conclusions:
- MRI can reveal specific features of pilomatricomas, such as reticular and ring-like hyperintensities and enhancement patterns.
- These findings aid in the non-invasive diagnosis and characterization of pilomatricomas.
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