[Chondromatous tumors in MRT: clinical picture in relation to localization and histopathology]

19 patients with histologically verified cartilaginous tumours (chondromas, chondrosarcomas) were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to assess differences regarding the MR appearance of these tumours which would provide information on the biological behaviour of these lesions. MR findings were then correlated with histopathology. With regard to the signal behaviour of cartilaginous tumours a good correlation with histopathology could be established insofar as the relatively hypocellular tumours composed of hyaline cartilage exhibited a high signal level on T2-weighted images. There were no significant differences regarding signal characteristics of cartilaginous tumours in various anatomical locations. However, lesions located in the pelvis and the long bones showed predominantly peripheral enhancement whereas tumours of the skull base and larynx exhibited diffuse enhancement patterns in the majority of cases. 10 tumours (6 benign, 4 malignant) exhibited a lobular appearance. No relevant information in respect of tumour grading could be obtained.