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Imaging features of extramedullary plasmacytoma
Seung Wook Ryu1, Violette Cohen-Hallaleh1
1Department of Radiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
|December 1, 2019
Summary
Extramedullary plasmacytomas are uncommon tumors that can appear anywhere in the body. This report details their characteristic imaging findings across radiography, ultrasound, and cross-sectional scans.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are rare plasma cell neoplasms.
- They can arise at virtually any extraskeletal site.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical and imaging presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and illustrate the diverse imaging features of extramedullary plasmacytomas.
- To correlate imaging findings with radiographic, sonographic, and cross-sectional modalities.
- To enhance the recognition of EMPs in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of imaging studies (radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI) in patients with pathologically confirmed EMPs.
- Analysis of imaging characteristics, including location, size, morphology, and enhancement patterns.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical data and histopathology.
Main Results:
- EMPs demonstrated varied appearances depending on the site of origin.
- Radiographic findings were often nonspecific, showing soft tissue masses.
- Sonographic features included hypoechoic or heterogeneous echotexture.
- Cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) revealed enhancing soft tissue masses, sometimes with infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Extramedullary plasmacytomas present with a wide spectrum of imaging findings.
- Familiarity with these features across different modalities is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Integrated radiologic and pathologic assessment aids in the timely identification of EMPs.
