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Computed tomography of axial chordomas
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of axial chordomas reveals characteristic features, including large paraspinal soft tissue masses and vertebral involvement. These findings, while not definitive, should prompt consideration of chordoma in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Chordomas are rare bone tumors arising from notochordal remnants.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings of axial chordomas.
- To assess the utility of CT in the preoperative diagnosis of chordoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans from 19 patients with pathologically confirmed axial chordomas.
- Analysis of tumor location, size, density, bony involvement, calcification patterns, and epidural extension.
Main Results:
- Axial chordomas typically present as well-demarcated, anterolateral paraspinal soft tissue masses with homogeneous, muscle-like density.
- The soft tissue component is often disproportionately larger than the bony involvement.
- Lytic or mixed vertebral lesions, amorphous peripheral calcifications (89% in sacral chordomas), and epidural extension in all spinal cases were observed.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography (CT) findings, including large soft tissue masses, vertebral lesions, and epidural extension, can suggest the possibility of axial chordoma.
- While CT may not provide a specific diagnosis, these characteristic features are important for alerting clinicians to consider chordoma.