Diagnosis of primary neurogenic tumor on chest wall using CT imaging / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss manifestations of neurogenic tumors on chest wall on CT imaging and pathology.Methods 7 patients with neurogenic tumors on chest wall confirmed surgically and pathologically were reviewed.To facilitate differential diagnosis,3 cases of malignant sarcoma were reviewed for their features on CT.Results 4 out of 5 cases of neurinoma were benign,with one case showing even density on plain CT scan,3 were poorly even,one case showed obvious evenness after enhancement,and 1 case was poorly evenly enhanced,2 benign cases had compression absorption of surrounding bone of scapula or ribs.One case of moderate malignancy was uneven in plain scan and slightly enhanced after enhancement procedure,and neighboring bone of scapula and rib were compressed and destroyed and absorbed,and neighboring muscular interspace and upper mediastinum were involved.One case showed single lesion of neurofibroma,displaying relatively even density on plain scan and moderate unevenness after enhancement procedure,as well as compression and absorption of neighboring ribs.One case of neurofibroma had multiple lesions,showing uneven density on plain scan.This case did not undergo enhanced scan.The remaining 3 cases were all sarcoma including 2 cases of fibrosarcoma and one case of synovial sarcoma.Conclusion Mass of soft tissues that are situated on chest wall or paravertebral area and with smooth edge are suggestive for benign neurogenic tumor.On the contrary,rough edge and coarse shape and infiltration into neighboring tissues are characteristic for malignant ones.