ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the CT and MR features of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of adults.Methods The CT and MRI findings of 20 patients of MPNST confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results Among 20 cases,the lesions were located in the lower extremities (n=4),shoulder and spine (n=4),abdomen (n=3),chest wall (n=2),mediastinum (n=2),breast (n=1),prostate (n=1),scrotum (n=1),scalp (n=1),left maxillary sinus and orbital bottom (n=1).Nineteen cases appeared as solid masses and 1 case appeared as diffuse lesion.The maximum cross section of the lesions were about 1.41 cm× 1.42 cm-17.10 cm× 18.08 cm.Sixteen cases were ill defined margin and 4 cases were well-defined margin.CT scan showed 14 cases were lower density or isodensity and with patchy inhomogeneous density.Multiple calcification were found in 2 cases and osteolytic destruction were found in 7 cases.Enhanced CT of 10 cases showed solid component and gradually delayed enhancement,while cystic lesion and necrosis were not enhancement.The tortuous arteries were displayed in 7 cases.Seven cases were performed MRI and the lesions appeared as hypo-intensity on T1WI and hypo-intensity on T2WI with obviously high intensity of cystic component.Enhanced MRI of 3 cases showed significantly heterogeneous enhancement,cyst and necrosis had no enhancement.MR dynamic enhancement of 1 case showed time-signal intensity curve was platform type.DWI showed high signal.Conclusion MPNST has certain CT and MR characteristics which are helpful to improve the diagnostic accuracy.